Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: How to watch, Saturday start time, TV channel & more

Matt Hobkinson
2024 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Start

F1 returns this weekend as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marks the second successive Saturday night race, after Max Verstappen claimed victory under the lights in Bahrain last time out.

Red Bull showed no signs of relinquishing their vice-like grip on the sport as Sergio Perez followed his team-mate over the line last weekend to claim a one-two finish for the reigning constructors’ champions.

Despite being pushed in qualifying by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen coasted home in first more than 22 seconds clear of Perez behind him.

Carlos Sainz finished off the podium places – ahead of Leclerc in fourth – with George Russell rounding off the top five.

Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult start to his final season with Mercedes, as the seven-time world champion took the chequered flag down in P7.

The focus now shifts to this weekend’s action in Saudi Arabia as F1 returns to Jeddah, the last track that saw Hamilton cross the finish line in first place back in 2021.

Here is all you need to know ahead of lights out this weekend.

When is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

The race gets under way on Saturday, March 9 at 5pm GMT, 12pm EST and 9am PT.

Why is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on a Saturday?

The race takes place on a Saturday due to Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, starting on Sunday March 10.

What time is qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

Qualifying for the race takes place on Friday, March 8 at 5pm GMT, 12pm EST and 9am PT.

How can I watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on TV?

Viewers in the UK can watch the race live on Sky Sports, while those in the US can catch the action on ESPN.

F1 TV is also available in selected territories.

Who is the reigning F1 champion?

Max Verstappen topped the drivers’ standings for Red Bull last year – his third title in a row.

2024 F1 Drivers’ Standings

PositionDriverTeamWinsPoints
1Max VerstappenRed Bull126
2Sergio PerezRed Bull018
3Carlos SainzFerrari015
4Charles LeclercFerrari012
5George RussellMercedes010
6Lando NorrisMcLaren08
7Lewis HamiltonMercedes06
8Oscar PiastriMcLaren04
9Fernando AlonsoAston Martin02
10Lance StrollAston Martin01
11Zhou GuanyuSauber00
12Kevin MagnussenHaas00
13Daniel RicciardoRB00
14Yuki TsunodaRB00
15Alex AlbonWilliams00
16Nico HulkenbergHaas00
17Esteban OconAlpine00
18Pierre GaslyAlpine00
19Valtteri BottasSauber00
20Logan SargeantWilliams00

2024 F1 Constructors’ Standings

PositionTeamWinsPoints
1Red Bull144
2Ferrari027
3Mercedes016
4McLaren012
5Aston Martin03
6Sauber00
7Haas00
8RB00
9Williams00
10Alpine00