Djeddah, extreme circuit
Between stifling heat and frantic pace, the drivers drew on their last resources at the Saudi Arabian GP. Piastri and Norris acknowledged their extreme fatigue, while Mercedes rookie Antonelli clearly suffered from the intensity of the race.
An exacting course, a relentless pace
The suffocating heat, the 27 corners of the Jeddah street circuit, and the absence of major neutralizations turned the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix into a true physical marathon for the drivers. Upon arrival, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a rookie with Mercedes, appeared exhausted. The young Italian took several seconds to get out of his car, visibly affected by the intensity of the race. The young driver, breathless, really didn’t look well, having to lean on his manager’s shoulder; the images have already circulated on social media. Oscar Piastri, despite being the winner, admitted: “It’s one of the toughest races on the calendar. I’m thrilled but exhausted.” The contrast is stark with more strategic GPs where tires wear out quickly, enforcing a less intense pace. Here, the hard tires lasted the distance, forcing the drivers to attack relentlessly.
Hard Tires, Ideal Culprits
It’s one of the paradoxes of this Saudi weekend: extreme conditions combined with a very durable tire compound. The hard tires, very little subject to degradation, pushed the drivers to maintain a high pace throughout the race. Gone are the management phases, making way for constant offense. Lando Norris, fourth at the finish and close to the podium, confided: « I need a break. » This intensity, coupled with the humidity and temperatures flirting with 35°C, turned each lap into a test of endurance.
A Hell in the Cabin
The 2025 Saudi Arabian GP reminded us that behind the glamour of F1 lies a formidable athletic dimension. In a cockpit where the temperature exceeds 50°C, drivers endure G-forces at every braking and fast cornering. The conditions of this edition took a toll on the body, with some losing up to three kilos during the race. For Antonelli, it was a baptism of fire, the most intense since his arrival in the top category.
Towards an awareness?
This Saudi trial highlights a recurring issue: the physical health of drivers facing ever-denser schedules. While the machines evolve, the bodies have their limits. The FIA may need to rethink certain race sequences or revisit the requirements regarding extreme conditions. For now, the drivers will have to cope with a relentless championship, where each Grand Prix can become a battle against themselves.
Il avait vraiment pas l’air bien après la course…
(James Vowles qui le félicite 🤝)#F1 #SaudiArabianGP https://t.co/oCrTZw0f1K pic.twitter.com/ulryS77MFZ
— Andrea Kimi Antonelli Fan 🇫🇷🇮🇹 (@AKA12_FanPageFR) April 21, 2025
