The track is about to host their fourth F1 Saudi Arabian GP and has never seen the same driver on the top step more than once
2021 had Lewis Hamilton, 2022 had Max Verstappen and 2023 had Sergio Pérez. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit could, if the Verstappen dominance stays the same, see for the first time a two-time winner. Perhaps even a surprise by Sergio Pérez, given the street circuit nature of the track, the Mexican driver’s favorite kind. Or even a bigger surprise by the 103-time Grand Prix Winner Lewis Hamilton, who finished on the first place for the last time on this track. The two first options are way more likely because the Saudi Arabian GP track is 100% Red Bull‘s cup of tea, high speed corners and mechanical grip reliance are crucial all around the lap.
This Grand Prix just like the last one will take place on Saturday. Sunday 10th marks the beginning of Ramadan so both races had to be held a day earlier. This, however, is a very different track and could make us see another hierarchy from the teams. Gone is the high asphalt abrasion from Sakhir and now the cars will test on a way more delicate one. On the contrary tyre stress from high-speed corners is what will cause degradation on track.
Mclaren could have the upper hand against Mercedes this weekend
With Red Bull and Ferrari on top, the best of the rest battle between Mercedes, McLaren and Aston Martin could give the team from Woking the upper hand. Mechanical grip looked like one of the issues by both Aston Martin and Mercedes and one of McLaren‘s strongest areas.
This is how the drivers and constructors’ standings look at the moment:
Action will start early on Thursday with the first practice session and teams are already on track getting everything prepared for the Saudi Arabian GP.
Guillermo Lorenzo Manzano
