2022 F1 Saudi Arabian GP – How to watch, session timings and more

Ferrari dominated the first race of the new generation of F1 in the switch to ground effect cars from this year, with Charles Leclerc leading a 1-2 ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr, having also claimed pole position and set the fastest lap. 

However, it was far from plain sailing with Red Bull pushing Ferrari the entire weekend, but both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez failed to finish the Bahrain GP due to a fuel pump failure in the closing stages. 

That allowed Mercedes to pull off damage limitation as Lewis Hamilton completed the podium and new team-mate George Russell took fourth place, but the German manufacturer appeared considerably off the pace compared to its frontrunning rivals.

Haas enjoyed a heroic comeback in Bahrain with returnee Kevin Magnussen securing fifth place, but further back it was a nightmare opening round for McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams.

Aston Martin are yet to confirm if Sebastian Vettel will be back in action for the Saudi Arabian GP after being ruled out of the 2022 F1 opener having tested positive for COVID-19. Nico Hulkenberg remains on standby having been the team’s late super sub in Bahrain.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 1st position

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Full 2022 Saudi Arabian GP session timings

Friday 25th March 2022

Free Practice 1: 2:00pm-3:00pm GMT (5:00pm-6:00pm local)

Free Practice 2: 5:00pm-6:00pm GMT (8:00pm-9:00pm local)

Saturday 26th March 2022

Free Practice 3: 2:00pm-3:00pm GMT (5:00pm-6:00pm local)

Qualifying: 5:00pm-6:00pm GMT (8:00pm-9:00pm local)

Sunday 27th March 2022

Race: 6:00pm BST (8:00pm local)

How can I watch Formula 1?

In the United Kingdom Formula 1 is only broadcast live on Sky Sports, with highlights shown on Channel 4 several hours