2025 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as it happened

Thanks for joining us for today's action. 

We will resume our live text commentary from 2pm tomorrow as we build up to final practice and qualifying. 

2025 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Friday Practice Results

Lando Norris was the driver to beat in second practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

In the more representative second session, Norris topped the order ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

Just over a tenth separated the pair in a tightly-contested session in Jeddah.

Max Verstappen was their closest challenger in FP2, setting the third-fastest time.

Verstappen looked more comfortable in the car than in the earlier session, and he was two-tenths off Norris’ pace.

Norris goes for another lap on soft tyres and lowers his benchmark further. 

It's a 1m28.267s from the McLaren driver, who pulls 0.163s clear of Piastri.

Norris restores McLaren's previous 1-2, beating Piastri's time by 0.090s. 

Verstappen's lap puts him third, 0.207s off the McLarens. 

Piastri usurps Verstappen at the top of the timesheets. The McLaren driver sets a 1m28.430s to go 0.117s quicker than the benchmark Verstappen had managed. 

Sainz goes fastest for Williams on soft tyres, 0.031s up on Russell. 

Leclerc now shoots to the top of the timings for Ferrari with a lap that. is 0.138s faster than Piastri managed in his McLaren. 

Norris is just 0.001s quicker than McLaren teammate during the early stages of FP2. 

Stroll spins down at Turn 1 but is able to avoid the barriers and get his Aston Martin facing back in the right direction. 

Verstappen is fastest early on, posting a 1m29.896s. 

Sauber have confirmed that Bortoleto will not take part in FP2 due to a fuel leak on his car. 

"Unfortunately, we discovered a fuel leak on Gabriel's car after FP1, which cannot be fixed in time for FP2. The cause of the fuel leak is currently being investigated by the team. For this reason, Gabriel is unable to take part in FP2."

Andy Cowell dodged questions about speculation linking Max Verstappen to Aston Martin for F1 2026.

Verstappen’s F1 future has been a hot topic during this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Cowell, who replaced Mike Krack as team principal ahead of the 2025 F1 season, was asked whether the speculation around Verstappen has destabilised the team.

“We’re incredibly fortunate that we’ve got two experienced drivers signed for the next two years and that means I can just focus on trying to help improve the business and the art of making a fast race car," he replied. 

The former Mercedes engine guru was then asked whether there would be any room for Verstappen in 2026.

Cowell remained tight-lipped, adding: “I am saying that my head’s full of improving the company so that we can make a fast race car for Lance and Fernando."

We are just 30 minutes away from the start of Friday's second practice session in Jeddah. We will once again be bringing you live updates from the hour of running. 

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says he is confident Max Verstappen will stay put despite intense speculation about his F1 future.

Verstappen’s future has dominated chat in the F1 paddock after Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted at the Bahrain Grand Prix that the team had “great concern” about the four-time world champion leaving.

The Dutchman has been left frustrated by Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness at the start of the 2025 season as he bids to win a fifth successive world title this year.

Red Bull’s struggles have seen Verstappen linked to rivals Mercedes and Aston Martin, and the rumours have only ramped up amid the revelation that he has performance exit clause in his current deal which runs until 2028.

“I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it,” Horner told Sky Sports after first practice at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

“There’s been a lot of noise outside of the team. Inside the team Max has reaffirmed his commitment.

“We’re focused on making the car faster, that’s where our focus is. Max is part of that. He’s a committed member of the team.

“The rest is all speculation.”

When asked directly whether he is certain Verstappen will still be driving for Red Bull next year, Horner replied: “Yes, absolutely.”

Verstappen isn't happy with his Red Bull in the high speed, reporting: "I'm very loose in the high speed, especially."