Verstappen, Hamilton, and J. Lo: We Need to Talk About the Saudi Grand Prix!

Get in, reader – we’re going racing! 

It’s that time of the year again, when the engines scream and the tension spikes—Jeddah’s high-speed battleground is back. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is more than just a race; it’s a gladiatorial clash of the tried-and-true titans versus fearless newcomers, all fighting for the top spot under the blazing Saudi lights. The stakes? Everything. The date? April 18. Buckle up—this will be legendary. 

Hold up, what even is it? 

Formula 1 (or F1 if you’re in the know) is the top tier of racing — the fastest cars, historic team rivalries, and drivers that are just built different. Think fighter pilots in million-dollar machines hitting 370km/h (230 mph) like the rest of us make a bowl of cereal. There are 20 drivers representing 10 teams, and each race (aka Grand Prix) happens at wildly different, iconic racing circuits around the globe. And 2025 is a red-letter year too because it’s F1’s 75th birthday, with 24 races, 6 sprints, and nonstop competition from March to December. 

So, what’s happening in Jeddah? 

F1 has hit the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for five years now, with nail-biting night races every time. This year, previous winners Max Verstappen (2022 and 2024) and Lewis Hamilton (2021) will face off once again, with Verstappen driving for Team Red Bull, while Hamilton has since moved to join Charles Leclerc on Team Ferrari. But they both need to watch out for the younger drivers raring to make their name this year. Fans in the know have their eyes on relative newcomers like McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, or Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli – who is all of 19 years old! 

Sounds like a blast! 

Oh, but it doesn’t end there. Headlining the post-race concerts this year are Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Major Lazer – the explosive three-DJ group of Diplo, Walshy Fire and Ape Drums. And while you wait, you can check out the fan zone, where you can test your skills on the racing simulators, try your hand at go-karting, or simply grab a snack and catch an in-person interview with one of the drivers. 

Gimme, gimme, gimme! 

So, save those dates – the Saudi Grand Prix kicks off on April 18, going for three nights until the grand finale on April 20. Oh, and kids in Saudi get the last day of the F1 off school, so get your tickets before they’re all gone!