I hate to say it but we’re about to begin the FINAL double header of the 2021 Formula 1 season, and what a season it has been. This weekend we are headed to the freshly completed Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
There were many people (myself included) that were very sceptical that the circuit would be finished in time, as there were photos of what looked like a construction site with no drivable surface circulating Twitter only a few weeks ago. However, the promoters have pulled through and provided what looks like a very impressive track and paddock (some of the grandstands and hospitality infrastructure still looks like it needs a bit of love).
As if they weren’t already trying to break several records with the track, they have also made it the fastest construction of an F1 circuit in history, taking only 7 months. A fresh circuit means a lot of unknowns for the teams and drivers. Track evolution, tyre wear, and grip could all be affected by freshly laid surfaces.
Construction nightmares is only the beginning of the Saudi Arabia fanfare. Many eyebrows were raised when Formula 1 announced they would be racing in Jeddah. The country is infamous for its lack of human rights, especially for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Lewis Hamilton has already posted an ‘Equality For All’ message on Instagram and has confirmed he will be wearing his pride flag helmet this weekend. Although Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has said that the Grand Prix is an opportunity to advocate for better human rights in the area, many people will be watching eagle-eyed to see if F1 will act on these good intentions.
Now for the racing. This weekend is the first race of the season where we could mathematically see the winner of the World Drivers Championship decided. Now don’t freak out - it is very unlikely. However, with Max Verstappen having an 8 point lead, there are a few situations where he could technically extend his lead to make it enough for a decisive win. It would rely on Max having a flawless performance and Lewis having an abysmal weekend or finishing out of the points. But, it still worth mentioning as it means that both Red Bull and Mercedes will be putting absolutely everything they have into this race to ensure the championship battle stays alive heading to the finale.
The Jeddah Corniche track is a fascinating modern Formula 1 street circuit designed by famed Hermann Tilke - I’ll be honest with you, I did have to google what a corniche was (a road cut into the earth, running along a coast). The track has 27 corners, 3 DRS zones, and some eye-watering top speeds. It is the fastest street circuit in the world and it runs on the picturesque coastline of the Red Sea. With many high speed corners, commentators have speculated that it should favour Mercedes. However, with the margins between Red Bull and Mercedes being so fine, nobody has been bold enough to say that there is an outright favourite heading into the weekend. The new venture for all teams and drivers, the high speeds, and the unforgiving nature of the walled street sectors mean that anything could happen.
It is going to be a spicy weekend - all is still to be decided in this 2021 season. This Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is certainly not one to miss with drama and excitement both on and off the track. No matter who you cheer for, there is a lot at stake this weekend. Fingers crossed the Jeddah Corniche Circuit provides another blockbuster race as the season starts to wind up to a spectacle finale.
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