The first double-header of the 2022 Formula 1 season is upon us. This weekend, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place, and we have everything you need to know about the event, including the UK start time.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host the second race of the new season. It is also the second time that F1 has visited Saudi Arabia. Last season, Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen to the chequered flag in a controversy-filled race. The result set up what promised to be a title battle for the ages in Abu Dhabi.
This time around, the outlook is different. Instead of providing a backdrop for the culmination of a season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will give fans a further idea of the pecking order in 2022.
With a host of new regulations introduced, it is no longer simply Hamilton v Verstappen at the front of the field. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took a commanding victory in the season opener in Bahrain.
Behind him in second place was team-mate Carlos Sainz. Red Bull’s Verstappen was running second in the race’s closing laps. However, he was overtaken by Sainz and then forced to retire due to an unspecified problem. His team-mate, Sergio Perez, also suffered a race-ending issue on the final lap when running in third.
Read: Lando Norris’s post-Bahrain comments will worry fans
As a result, Hamilton finished in third place. Unlike previous seasons, the Mercedes car is not setting the pace. Currently, it looks like the third-best car on merit. The Mercedes power unit is one cause of the team’s problems. Therefore, the long straights of the Jeddah circuit could prove a significant disadvantage.
The GP itself was thrown into turmoil by a missile strike targeting an area only ten miles away from the circuit. You can read all about that here.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:
What is the UK start time of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
The UK start time of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is 6pm on Sunday, March 27. The race will likely last for around two hours. Last year’s race at the same circuit was won by Lewis Hamilton in two hours and six minutes, although there were several safety car periods.
Saturday’s qualifying session, meanwhile, will begin at a slightly earlier time of 5pm.
How can I watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
UK users can watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sky Sports, via the Sky Sports F1 channel. The race will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event as per current scheduling.
How much will it cost to watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
UK viewers must have an active Sky Sports subscription or NOW TV pass to watch this weekend’s Grand Prix.
You can choose to purchase a subscription to the Sky Sports F1 channel for £18 per month. Alternatively, you can pay £25 a month to access all Sky Sports channels.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will also be available to view on the Sky Go app for those on the move whilst the race is ongoing.
Viewers can also purchase a NOW TV pass to watch the action. A day membership, which gives access to Sky Sports channels for a one-off payment of £11.98, can be purchased via the NOW TV website. Alternatively, it costs £20 a month for nine months for a sports membership.
Where can I watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix highlights in the UK?
Although Sky currently has the exclusive live rights to Formula 1 in the UK, Channel 4 will provide extended highlights of qualifying and the race itself.
Highlights of qualifying begin at 8:30pm on Saturday, with the race highlights starting at 10:30pm on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: Getty