Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: Presentation and predictions from the editorial team

The season is underway! After a convincing first round in Bahrain, the Formula One Circus sets foot on Saudi Arabian soil for the second race of this 2022 championship. It’s an opportunity to see if the hierarchy has truly changed.

Multiple track modifications

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix had indeed caused a stir last year due to its incredible aspect, particularly in qualifying, but also raised questions about its danger with three standing starts in just one Grand Prix following several incidents.

If its length of 6,174 kilometers and its 27 anti-clockwise turns remain unchanged, the track has been widened in several places to allow for better visibility for the drivers. The last turn has also undergone a similar modification, as well as the safety rails.

The average speed should remain very high despite the weight increase of these modern F1 cars. It should also be noted that the 3 DRS zones from the previous edition are also being retained.

Pirelli’s choices

Like last year, the Italian manufacturer is going for its mid-range, ranging from C2 to C4, with C2 representing the hardest tire and C4 the softest. With 18-inch tires and a degradation that is quite difficult to assess at the moment, there is no doubt that strategies should be multiple for this urban Grand Prix!

The rapid Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host the #SaudiArabiaGP and the second round of the 2022 @F1 season! 🇸🇦

Here’s everything you need to know 👉 https://t.co/qzAwZQtrST#F1 #Formula1 #Fit4F1 #Pirelli #Pirelli150 pic.twitter.com/gKIqb3iMZd

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) March 21, 2022

The Leclerc / Ferrari confirmation, the resurgence of Red Bull and Mercedes, a midfield to keep a close eye on… Jeddah, time for truth.

The stakes of this Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are obviously numerous. Firstly, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc are expected to confirm their superb start to the season and their undeniable victory in Bahrain. Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, will be observed to judge if he can truly reach the level of his Monégasque teammate.

On the Red Bull side, it will be time to bounce back after their scoreless performance in Bahrain, due to precarious engine reliability. The reliability of the Red Bull will also be a key factor in this race (and this season!) and the Austrian brand has already used up one of their lifelines in Sakhir, so it is not allowed to repeat such a mishap.

At the Silver Arrows, we will keep a close eye on George Russell’s progress, particularly against Lewis Hamilton, as a resurgence of the Mercedes brand is expected upon their return to Europe. The multiple world champions will aim to minimize the damage and take advantage of their rivals’ setbacks to be contenders for a podium finish.

Finally in the peloton, Haas and Alfa Romeo will want to confirm their good form, while Alpine or AlphaTauri will aim for a step higher than their performance in Bahrain. On the other hand, McLaren and Aston Martin are more than ever expected to perform at the level they were in previous seasons!

The editorial’s predictions: Sainz by majority, expected collisions.

While he has not yet won a single Grand Prix and his teammate has just delivered a remarkable performance, Carlos Sainz earns our votes as the potential winner of this Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver, very comfortable on urban circuits and less fiery than Leclerc, could, in our opinion, secure his first success this weekend. His teammate Leclerc and Max Verstappen also garner some votes, while many of us also see a Mercedes on the podium.

Collisions or track departures are obviously not to be excluded, and surprise drivers could potentially stand out, such as Esteban Ocon, who missed the podium by a tenth of a second right here last year.

And you?

What are your favorites for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

The start of the Grand Prix will take place this Sunday, March 27 at 7:00 PM. All the schedules to know can be found in the TV program.