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

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 were the times after second practice?

1. Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1mins 29.603secs
2. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Aston Martin 1:29.811
3. Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:29.902
4. Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:30.039
5. George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:30.070
6. Pierre Gasly (Fra) Alpine 1:30.100
7. Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:30.110
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) MoneyGram Haas F1 1:30.181
9. Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:30.341
10. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spa) Ferrari 1:30.592
11. Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:30.599
12. Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:30.721
13. Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:30.776
14. Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:30.810
15. Kevin Magnussen (Den) MoneyGram Haas F1 1:30.820
16. Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1:30.837
17. Nyck de Vries (Ned) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:30.921
18. Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams 1:30.959
19. Oscar Piastri (Aus) McLaren 1:30.964
20. Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake 1:31.052

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. Their qualifying coverage begins at 8.50pm GMT on Saturday with race highlights from 10.15pm the following day. 

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 in November 2021, but in the end the final result was that it was possible, especially at the first run of corners. The duel between Verstappen and Leclerc shows that a game of ‘DRS chicken’ cannot be ruled out, although the DRS zones have been tweaked slightly as well as a few other changes on the track.

What are the current standings?

Drivers: top 10