Chaos, controversy and flashpoints: 5 highlights of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Jeddah urban circuit welcomes the 5th edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend. Since its arrival on the F1 calendar in 2021, this ultrafast track with unforgiving walls has been the scene of moments as spectacular as they are controversial. A look back at five episodes that have marked the turbulent history of this race.

1. 2021: An explosive baptism by fire

The first edition in 2021 immediately revealed the chaotic nature of the circuit. As the penultimate race of an electrifying season between Hamilton and Verstappen, the race quickly escalated. On the 10th lap, Mick Schumacher violently crashed into the barriers at turn 22, initially prompting a safety car intervention, followed by a red flag to repair the damaged barriers.

The restarts that followed turned into a brawl between the two title contenders. Verstappen engaged in borderline maneuvers against Hamilton, including an off-track overtake that earned him a penalty. The most controversial incident occurred when the Dutchman suddenly slowed down, causing a collision with Hamilton that damaged his front wing.

Despite two penalties (5 and 10 seconds), Verstappen finished second behind Hamilton. This result created an unprecedented situation: the two rivals found themselves perfectly tied in points before the Abu Dhabi finale.

2. 2022: Running under the missiles

The 2022 edition almost never took place. A missile attack claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit an Aramco oil site a few kilometers from the circuit during free practice. Thick columns of black smoke were visible from the track, and a pungent smell of burning filled the air. The drivers, understandably concerned, demanded assurances for their safety.

A crisis meeting was immediately convened between Stefano Domenicali (CEO of F1), the drivers, and team directors. The tense discussions dragged on for over four hours, with a majority of drivers initially opposing the idea of racing. They finally agreed to start, albeit reluctantly, after receiving assurances from Saudi authorities. This situation has reignited the debate on the suitability of hosting Grand Prix events in politically unstable areas, a question that continues to haunt F1.

3. 2023: Alonso’s 100th podium taken away and then returned

In 2023, Fernando Alonso celebrated his 100th podium in F1 following an absurd legal battle. Starting second, the Spaniard crossed the line in third position after serving a 5-second penalty for incorrect grid positioning.

But barely had the celebrations ended when the veteran was handed a new 10-second penalty, dropping him to fourth place. The cited reason: during his pit stop, the rear jack allegedly touched his car before the full 5 seconds had elapsed, which the stewards considered as working on the car.

Aston Martin counterattacked with an unstoppable strategy: the team unearthed videos showing seven similar cases where other teams had never been sanctioned. Faced with this blatant proof of inconsistency, the stewards had to backtrack, returning Alonso’s third place and confirming his entry into the very exclusive club of drivers with a hundred podiums.

4. 2023: Pérez, the king of street circuits

The 2023 Grand Prix recognized Sergio Pérez as a true specialist in urban circuits. The Mexican first secured his first pole position in Jeddah before clinching victory on Sunday.

His start was nevertheless complicated with Alonso surprising him at the first corner, but the Mexican driver regained control as early as the fourth lap with authority. A critical moment occurred when Lance Stroll’s retirement triggered a safety car intervention – exactly the scenario that had cost him the victory the previous year.

This time, Red Bull’s strategy worked perfectly. Pérez managed his lead, even resisting the phenomenal comeback of his teammate Verstappen, who started 15th and eventually finished second. This victory, his fifth in his career and his fourth on a street circuit, has definitely established his reputation as the minister of defense on tracks surrounded by walls.

5. The Safety Car, a permanent fixture in Jeddah

In four editions, the Jeddah circuit has never experienced a race without a safety car intervention. This statistic is explained by the very nature of the track: an explosive cocktail combining ultra-fast sections (320 km/h in some curves) and winding passages where the slightest mistake is unforgivable. The blind corners taken at high speed and the lack of generous run-offs offered by permanent tracks turn each session into a tightrope walking exercise.

The inaugural 2021 edition remains the most chaotic with several safety cars and two red flags following the accidents of Schumacher, Pérez, and other drivers. In 2022, two neutralizations were necessary after crashes involving Nicholas Latifi and Lance Stroll. The year 2023 saw the safety car intervene following Lance Stroll’s engine failure, while in 2024, it was a collision between the same Stroll and Nico Hülkenberg that caused an interruption.

In just four years of existence, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has built a reputation for being an unpredictable race, combining adrenaline, sports dramas, and controversies. As the engines roar once again this weekend between the walls of Jeddah, one question arises: what new chapter will be written this weekend? Stay tuned for the outcome of the race to find out.