Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2023: What time does the race start, what TV channel is it on and latest odds

·2 min read
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Formula One Grand Prix it in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, March 27, 2022 - Hassan Ammar/AP
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Formula One Grand Prix it in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, March 27, 2022 - Hassan Ammar/AP

Max Verstappen got his title defence off to a flying start in Bahrain, leading a comfortable Red Bull one-two finish as he attempts to win a third successive championship in a row.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last year saw a tight battle between Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and it would be a welcome thing were it to happen again in 2023. That, though, relies on Ferrari getting their act together.

But can a resurgent Aston Martin spring another surprise with another strong performance?

When is it?

The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix runs from Friday March 17 until Sunday March 19.

What time do the sessions start?

Friday, March 17

First practice –  1.30pm GMT
Second practice – 5pm

Saturday, March 18

Third practice – 1.30pm
Qualifying – 5pm

Sunday, March 19

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – 5pm

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports F1 have near-exclusive live coverage rights in the UK this year and indeed for the next few with their usual excellent team.

Sky's qualifying program starts at 4pm GMT on Saturday, with their race coverage at 3.30pm on Sunday.

Channel 4 also have extended highlights coverage this year, although we await the exact times that their coverage will be broadcast.

What do we know about the Jeddah Corniche Circuit?

  • Circuit length: 6.174km

  • First grand prix: 2021

  • Laps: 50

  • Race distance: 308.45km

  • Lap record: 1:30.734 (Lewis Hamilton, 2021)

  • Number of corners: 27

  • Overtaking chances: It was an unknown before the inaugural race last November, but in the end the final result was that it was possible, especially at the first run of corners. Whether it will be easier or harder with the new breed of F1 cars remains to be seen but we will find out.

What are the current standings?

Drivers: top 10

Constructors:

What are the latest odds?

  • Max Verstappen 1/2

  • Sergio Perez 9/2

  • Fernando Alonso 8/1

  • Charles Leclerc 9/1

  • Carlos Sainz 14/1

  • Lewis Hamilton 25/1

  • George Russell 33/1