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.
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When is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
The race gets under way on Saturday, March 9 at 5pm GMT, 12pm EST and 9am PT.
IT'S RACE WEEK AGAIN! 😍We head to Jeddah for another SATURDAY race 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/EE0vjRa5o4
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 4, 2024
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
| Position | Driver | Team | Wins | Points |
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1 | 26 |
| 2 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull | 0 | 18 |
| 3 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 0 | 15 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 0 | 12 |
| 5 | George Russell | Mercedes | 0 | 10 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 0 | 8 |
| 7 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 0 | 4 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 0 | 2 |
| 10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 0 | 1 |
| 11 | Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Daniel Ricciardo | RB | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | Alex Albon | Williams | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 0 | 0 |
2024 F1 Constructors’ Standings
| Position | Team | Wins | Points |
| 1 | Red Bull | 1 | 44 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 0 | 27 |
| 3 | Mercedes | 0 | 16 |
| 4 | McLaren | 0 | 12 |
| 5 | Aston Martin | 0 | 3 |
| 6 | Sauber | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Haas | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | RB | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Williams | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Alpine | 0 | 0 |