F1: 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – UK start time, how to watch

Following a fascinating season opener in Bahrain, F1 remains in the Middle East for the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Here is all the information you need to ensure that you do not miss out on the action.

In the last race, Red Bull asserted an early dominance over the rest of the field via a superb one-two. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen took the win as teammate Sergio Perez was his nearest challenger.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin built on their promising pre-season with a stunning performance. Fernando Alonso earned his 99th-career podium by guiding his AMR23 to third place in the desert.

In doing so, Aston concerned Ferrari and Mercedes that they could be a genuine threat to the top three status quo.

Elsewhere, Pierre Gasly drove from the back of the grid to finish ninth on his Alpine debut. Alex Albon also had a great Bahrain GP, netting a point for Williams with a tenth-place finish.

The blisteringly quick Jeddah Corniche circuit will provide a vastly different challenge this weekend, though. So, what time will you have to tune in for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix UK start time

F1’s third-ever race in Saudi Arabia will start at 5pm on Sunday 19 March. Due to its night-time running in the Gulf Kingdom, British viewers enjoy a kind, early-evening race experience.

Similarly, qualifying on Saturday 18 March begins at 5pm, too.

If you are wanting to watch the practice sessions, these are also available at friendly times. For instance, FP1 is at 1.30pm on Friday 17 March, with FP2 following a few hours later the same day at 5pm.

Finally, FP3 is on Saturday, occurring before qualifying at 1.30pm.

How can I watch the race?

Sky Sports will be broadcasting the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for UK viewers. Coverage of the race begins at 3.30pm on Sunday before lights out at 5 o’clock.

The second round of the season will be on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1. Friday’s free practice sessions will also be available across both channels.  

In contrast, qualifying and FP3 will only be on Sky’s designated Formula 1 channel.

Unfortunately, though, in order to watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix live you need a Sky Sports subscription.

Alternatively, NOW TV offer subscription packages that you can watch via a variety of devices. Viewers can get a 24-hour pass from NOW TV instead if you do not want the monthly option.

But there is a free service to catch extended highlights if you do not want to part with any money. Channel 4 will air highlights of both qualifying and the race from round two of the 2023 F1 championship.

Their qualifying highlights will be at 8.50pm on Saturday 18 March. Then, Channel 4 will show Saudi Arabian Grand Prix highlights at 10.15pm on Sunday night.

Read: Max Verstappen predicts wins for Fernando Alonso & Aston Martin in 2023

The fastest street circuit on the calendar promises to be a brilliant test of the 2023 grid. Will Red Bull maintain their gap over the rest of the field? Or can Ferrari overcome a disappointing opener to challenge for wins once more?

In addition, it will be intriguing to see if Aston Martin can keep pace with the front runners on the low downforce Jeddah circuit. One thing is certain, though; F1 fans are in for a telling weekend of high-speed action.

Featured image credit: Getty

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