F1 and Arabian nights: Discover Jeddah's race weekend magic
Jeddah, a vibrant city in Saudi Arabia known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant culture, has once again transformed into a racing paradise for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025. As engines roar and tyres screech, F1 fans will witness the speed and skill of their favourite drivers once again.
Witness the glory of the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah. For fans unfamiliar on what Jeddah has to offer, here’s your complete guide on the city:
Things to do and places to explore
Jeddah is known as a top spot for tourists in Saudi Arabia. As the second biggest city in the country, it serves as a gateway to Mecca, the holiest city and is the centre of Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) every year. Jeddah blends its rich history with modern hotels and vast shopping areas.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is just 20 km to 25 km away from the old centre of Jeddah. This would take you approximately 25-30 minutes to reach the racing circuit. To maximise your F1 trip in Jeddah, here’s a list best places to see and activities to do:
Visit the New Jeddah Corniche
Before the race starts, explore the New Jeddah Corniche, known to be a great place to watch the sunset over the Red Sea. A key spot along the Corniche is the Jeddah Sculpture Museum, an outdoor museum with more than 20 famous sculptures by well-known artists like Henry Moore and Joan Miro. At the southern end, you'll find King Fahd’s Fountain, also called the Jeddah Fountain, which is the tallest water fountain in the world.
Taste Jeddah’s cuisine
The 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah brings exciting races and a chance to enjoy the city's rich cuisines. Jeddah's dishes showcase its diverse culture, offering traditional meals and street foods.
Here are some must-try local specialities to savour during your visit:
Kabsa
Kabsa is a tasty rice dish made with a mix of spices and often served with tender meat like lamb or chicken. It is a key part of Saudi cuisine and is a great way to experience the region's cooking traditions.
Balila
Balila consists of soft-boiled chickpeas seasoned with cumin, lemon, and olive oil. It's a light yet satisfying dish commonly found at street stalls, especially in areas like Al-Zahra District.
Falafel and hummus
These vegetarian-friendly options are popular in Jeddah. Falafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, blended with spices and herbs. On the other hand, hummus is a creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Witness Jeddah’s colourful history
Jeddah’s historic area, Al-Balad, has been around since the 7th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Balad has been restored, allowing you to dive into its rich history and experience traditional life in Jeddah. The old buildings add charm to the city, making it worthwhile to wander the narrow streets before heading to the race.
Go shopping
In Jeddah, you’ll find both traditional Saudi Arabian goods and modern shops. The city’s top dining spots are often in its malls. For instance, Red Sea Mall has fun options for all ages and is worth a visit. The Mall of Arabia (MOA), near the airport, features a cinema, a huge food court, and stores ranging from fast fashion to high-end brands.
Watch thrilling performances from top artists during the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Major Lazer will headline the concerts at Jeddah Corniche Circuit. These shows are part of the post-race events on the main stage in the Fanzone. All ticket holders can join in for free.
2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: All you need to know
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix first took place in 2021 and will return for its fifth time in the F1 season in 2025 from April 18 to 20 (GMT+3). The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is the fastest street track ever used in the sport and has provided thrilling races since it started.
In 2024, the event ran from Thursday to Saturday because of Ramadan. In 2025, it shifts to a later date as the fifth race of the season. This Grand Prix will be the last of three races, following the Bahrain Grand Prix held a week before.
Here’s the schedule for the event:
- April 18 → Practice 1 and Practice 2
- April 19 → Practice 3 and Qualifying
- April 20 → Race
How to go to Jeddah Corniche Circuit?
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is found in the beautiful Corniche area, about 20km north of the city centre. From King Abdulaziz International Airport, it is less than a 30-minute drive to the track.
To reach the venue, taxis, car shares, or Uber are the best options if your hotel is not within walking distance. Keep in mind that public transport in the city is limited and may face delays during the race weekend.
Where to stay?
Many well-known hotels are located along the Jeddah Corniche near the F1 track, offering options for all budgets. For a different experience, consider staying at guesthouses near the historic Al Balad area to soak up the charm of downtown Jeddah.
Here are some places to stay at depending on your desired location:
-
Near Jeddah Corniche Circuit:
-
Shangri-La Jeddah
-
Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway
-
Jeddah Hilton Hotel
-
Central Jeddah:
-
Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street (13.7km from the circuit)
-
Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah (16.5km from the circuit)
-
Le Meridien Jeddah (17.5km from the circuit)
-
Near the Jeddah Airport:
-
Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah Madinah Road
-
Crowne Plaza Jeddah
Weather
Jeddah often has warm and tropical temps. In 2025, since the race shifts from March to April, meaning the weather will be hotter. Expect daily highs around 34.9°C (94.8°F) and lows of 22.1°C (71.8°F) at night.
The evening temperature becomes slightly cold, so you might want to bring a light jacket. Rain is unlikely during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
Local customs in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a conservative nation that follows Islamic laws. While locals are often tolerant of tourists, it’s best to respect social customs during your visit. Alcohol is not allowed, and public decency must be upheld.
Both men and women should dress modestly. Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts is highly encouraged. Keep in mind that prayers also happen five times a day, and shops and restaurants may close briefly during these times.
F1 in Jeddah: Who are the favourites to win?
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix stands as one of the F1 races you shouldn’t miss out on this season. With Jeddah Corniche’s sharp turns and long straights, it’s a street race that will test the driver’s skills and techniques, offering a thrilling match that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While there are many talented racers, only some are skilled enough to capture the attention of fans and critics alike. Here are some of the favourites to win you should consider when betting on the race:
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Verstappen has been in great form in recent seasons. In 2024, he secured his fourth consecutive World Championship, joining an elite group of drivers with four titles. During that season, Verstappen also achieved eight race wins, underscoring his consistent performance.
Notably, at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he clinched his 100th career podium, becoming the youngest driver to reach this milestone. As the defending champion, his ability to excel on high-speed circuits like Jeddah makes him a strong contender for victory.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Charles Leclerc has emerged as a formidable competitor, especially with his victory at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, where he ended the ‘Monaco curse’. At the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Leclerc secured a third-place finish and recorded the fastest lap of the race, highlighting his competitiveness on the Jeddah circuit.
Sportsbet.io: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix odds formats
To enhance your F1 betting experience, Sportsbet.io offers competitive odds in three main formats. Learn how to read each of the odds below to maximise your chances of winning::
- Decimal → Decimal odds show your payout for every unit wagered. For example, if the underdog has odds of 4.00, a winning bet of 10 Tether (USDT) offers a payout of 40 USDT, giving you a profit of 20 USDT (odds x bet = payout).
- American → These odds have positive (+) and negative (-) numbers. The positive odds represent your payout for every unit wagered (bet x American odds /100). On the other hand, the negative odds show how much you need to bet to win a payout of 100 USDT (wager / American odds x 100).
- Hong Kong → To compute your payout, simply add 1 to HK odds and multiply it by your stake. For example, a bet of 5 USDT on 0.88 (+1) HK odds, offers a payout of 9.4 USDT (stake x HK odds (+1) = payout), giving you a profit of 4.4 USDT (stake x HK odds = profit).
Betting features to maximise
Aside from competitive odds, Sportsbet.io also offers helpful betting features for a hassle-free experience. Here are some of the best features you can take advantage of below:
- Price Boost → Price Boost increases your odds on selected bets, giving more value to your bets. This feature is simple to use: just look for highlighted events or markets within the sportsbook section.
- Bet Sharing → With Bet Sharing, you can share your bets with friends and fellow punters easily. This feature lets you show your picks, perfect for group betting or just for fun. With just a few clicks, you can discuss strategies and celebrate wins together, adding a social element to the betting experience.
- Multi Bet Insurance → Multi Bet Insurance provides some protection if one selection in your multi-bet doesn't win. This protection comes in the form of a refund or bonus as specified by the terms of the promotion.
Tips when betting on the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Make the most of your betting odds and get the chance to win big with these Saudi Arabian Grand Prix tips:
Know the track
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has many turns. Study the layout and how drivers perform there. Consider which drivers excel on street tracks and which ones do not. This info helps you make informed betting decisions.
Check driver form
Look at each driver’s recent races as their form can change quickly. Top drivers might struggle, while others could be on a hot streak. Recent results give you clues on who to bet on.
Watch practice sessions
Pay attention to lap times and how cars handle the track. This shows which teams have a strong setup and may do well in the race.
Consider the weather
Weather can change race outcomes. Rain or heat can lead to different tyre choices and strategies. Keep an eye on the forecast leading up to the race, as this impacts your bets.
Review team strategies
Teams often have different strategies for races. Some may focus on pit stops or tyre choices. Knowing each team's approach helps you make your betting decision.
Look for value bets
Don’t just bet on the favourites. Look for drivers who have good odds and those who might turn the tables upside down. Finding value can lead to bigger payouts.
Stay updated
Follow news on driver injuries, team changes, and any other updates. Last-minute news can affect your bets, so staying informed increases your odds.
Bet on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Sportsbet.io
Don’t miss out on the excitement of the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Sportsbet.io! Take advantage of competitive odds and bet on your favourite racers with USDT and other coins for a chance to win big payouts. Don’t forget to also claim our generous bonuses and promos for a headstart and try our mobile app for on-the-go F1 betting.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided by the blog above on Sportsbet.io is for general information purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation, warranty, or guarantee of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information or betting tips on the Site.
