Formula 1 2024: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Track Insights:
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix made its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, taking place on the Jeddah Street Circuit. This track winds its way along the Red Sea, offering a stunning backdrop for the intense racing action. The circuit is known for its high-speed nature, tight corners, and long straights, providing an exciting challenge for drivers. Despite being a newcomer to the Formula 1 scene, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has quickly gained popularity among fans for its unique layout and thrilling races. As the Grand Prix continues to establish itself in the world of motorsport, it is sure to become a staple event on the calendar for years to come.

This track has 27 turns, 3 DRS zones and a lap length of 6.174 km. The drivers are asked to complete 50 laps totaling 308.45 km.

Starting Grid:
Pole Position: Max Verstappen: Red Bull
P2: Charles Leclerc: Ferrari
P3: Sergio Perez: Red Bull
P4: Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin
P5: Oscar Piastri: Mclaren
P6: Lando Norris: Mclaren
P7: George Russell: Mercedes
P8: Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes
P9: Yuki Tsunoda: VCRB
P10: Lance Stroll: Aston Martin
P11: Oliver Bearman: Ferrari
P12: Alex Albon: Williams
P13: Kevin Magnussen: HAAS
P14: Daniel Riccardo: VCRB
P15: Nico Hulkenberg: HAAS
P16: Valterri Bottas: Sauber
P17: Esteban Ocon: Alpine
P18: Pierre Gasly: Alpine
P19: Logan Sargeant: Williams
P20: Zhou Guanyu: Suaber

Race Highlights:
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix showcased thrilling competition and unexpected twists on the Jeddah Street Circuit. As the drivers navigated the fast and technical track under the shimmering lights, fans were treated to a display of skill and strategy. The race brought moments of both triumph and heartbreak, with several teams executing impressive pit strategies while others grappled with mechanical issues. In the end, the podium finishers celebrated their hard-fought success, adding another chapter to the history of Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia.

Biggest on-track news of the week is that Carlos Sainz will not be racing after undergoing surgery for appendicitis on Friday. HAAS reserve and FP2 driver Oliver Bearman will step into the coveted role and make his F1 debut in his place this weekend.

There was news at lights out that Mclaren’s Lando Norris may have jumped the start. In the end, the Stewards did not find this true and no penaly was given. The ten laps saw quite a bit of drama with Pierre Gasly of Alpine having to retire his vehicle before completing one lap due to gear box issues. a couple laps later, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll would find himself bouncing off the wall-causing him to be slammed into another one and bringing out the only safety car of the race. All but four drivers (Hamilton, Norris, Hulkenburg and Zhou) took the opportunity to pit and get.a fresh set of tires on.

While red Bull was yet again dominant, the real fun was well behind them. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Mclaren’s Oscar Piastri battled for a good amount of the race with the Aussie claiming that he is now a “Mercedes rear wing specialist.” after the race. He would eventually get around the Brit who eventually took 9th. Even though that was a fun battle, eyes were understandably elsewhere during the race. More specifically an 18-year-old in Tifosi red. And he was EXHILARATING. Ollie Bearman, for having I kid you not, 1 hour of practice in a car he’s never been in before had the race of his life. he showed great pace and would ultimately beat out the veteran Brits in Mercedes and Mclaren before finishing P7 and bringing home valuable points in his F1 debut.

Lastly, another fantastic highlight was that of the strategic prowess exhibited by the team at HAAS. With Niko Hulkenburg using the safety car to get his way into 10th place, it was clear that if HAAS wanted a point that day, Hulkenburg was their best bet. With teammate Kevin Magnussen sitting in 12th, he incurred a few 10-second penalties which would put him out of contention for points. So instead of battling to move up, Magnussen was tasked with keeping everyone behind him there and build a gap large enough that Hulkenburg could pit without losing a place. It was a masterpiece in team work. Plus the frustration of drivers behind him was hilarious. In the end though, it was worth it as HAAS got their first point of the season finishing P10.

2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Podium:
1st: Red Bull: Max Verstappen (25)
2nd: Red Bull: Sergio Perez (18)
3rd: Ferrari: Charles Leclerc (16)