It was hot garbage last year. The lower races have been marred by the same types of incidents this year. Expect lots of safety car racing and red flags.I have to say. I despise MBS, but that track in Jeddah looks pretty, pretty good to me.
Quoted for gospel truth.It was hot garbage last year. The lower races have been marred by the same types of incidents this year. Expect lots of safety car racing and red flags.
Valtteri Bottas
has praised the "hardcore" Jeddah Corniche Circuit after the opening practice sessions at the inaugural F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Finn seemed to be enjoying himself in Free Practice 1, having been heard telling his engineer over team radio that "this track is cool", and his liking for the fast and narrow circuit continued into Free Practice 2.
"I think I said it already on the radio - it's really cool," Bottas explained when asked for his thoughts on the new circuit following FP2.
"It's quite hardcore, like it's pretty full gas and close to the walls and high speeds, but that's what we want. That's what we enjoy, and that gives you a bit of an adrenaline rush."
I mean, we can cherry pick individual drivers, but the consensus seems to be that the track needs changes: https://www.racefans.net/2022/03/27/f1-drivers-want-more-safety-changes-at-the-most-dangerous-place-on-the-calendar/And yet some drivers have found it a blast:
https://racingnews365.com/formula-1-drivers/valtteri-bottas
I can find more quotes and I am fine if they make more changes as they aleady have btw.I mean, we can cherry pick individual drivers, but the consensus seems to be that the track needs changes: https://www.racefans.net/2022/03/27/f1-drivers-want-more-safety-changes-at-the-most-dangerous-place-on-the-calendar/
Again, this ignores the fact they shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Putting aside the moral aspects of it, I just don't think the races in the Gulf States are as good of a product. They feel much less like "events" to me because the the stands tend to be populated with either super-rich oil barons or ex-pats. When they go to these tracks, it almost feels like they are racing on the moon or something (Lewis has repeatedly remarked on this point - if I recall correctly, Qatar was particularly bad and he rhetorically asked why the government didn't just make the race free for everyone to come to given that no one was apparently willing or able to buy tickets).As far as F1 not being there for political reasons. If that's the criterion, a good chunk of F1 calendar should be scrapped. I don't know if that should be the case, I am genuinely undecided about it. OTOH, F1 races provide a gloss for terrible, authoritarian regimes. OTOH, an argument can be made that when F1 comes into town, by having people exposed to a sport to F1, they are also exposed to the western world. A kid likes F1, starts following, he becomes more western-oriented as he grows up. But then the question arises. How strong is the effect on either direction. Does anyone get more cuddly about MBS because of the Saudi Arabia grand prix? Does MBS solidify his rule because of the grand prix? is the grand prix and exposure to F1 the difference between Saudi remaining authoritarian or gettng more democratic? I think the effect is infitessimal in either direction. If the effect is infitessimal, how much harm is it done because of the grand prix and how much good by not doing the grand prix there? If the principle is "don't do business with authoritarian regimes", where do we draw the line? Am I supposed to not buy a Chinese-made utensil from Target? If not, what's the difference?
This track is also pretty crappy in layout, not that it's unusual in the respect.Putting aside the moral aspects of it, I just don't think the races in the Gulf States are as good of a product. They feel much less like "events" to me because the the stands tend to be populated with either super-rich oil barons or ex-pats. When they go to these tracks, it almost feels like they are racing on the moon or something (Lewis has repeatedly remarked on this point - if I recall correctly, Qatar was particularly bad and he rhetorically asked why the government didn't just make the race free for everyone to come to given that no one was apparently willing or able to buy tickets).
The European tracks are fun because of all their history, and because usually they are the "home" track for at least one racer so the crowds are raucous. And the "New World" races at places like COTA, Mexico City, and Australia are fun because they feel like big parties - there are concerts, barbecues, fans milling about all over the place, etc. The Gulf-State races don't really fit either of those, and are just sort of blah. I guess Abu Dhabi feels like it has a little more character, so I wouldn't be super opposed to keeping that one on the schedule but getting rid of Jeddah, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Horner's interview was a bit funny when asked if Max was frustrated. Could see him keeping his composure. "I'd rather make a fast car reliable than try to make a reliable car fast."Max with another DNF, seems the Red Bull might not be super reliable.
Undrivable for the guy used to having the best car, an improvement for the guy that’s driven a Williams.I wonder if Hamilton really believes Toto stroking him saying the car is "undrivable" when his teammate finishes 4th.
Not really at all, IMO. I kind of look at this season for Hamilton like Brady’s 2019. The pieces just aren’t there for him to really compete.For those of you more knowledgeable, how does this type of showing affect Hamilton's legacy/reputation?
Yes, but ultimately it's a UK-dominated press covering the sport, and they will never question Lewis.I disagree. If Russell consistently outperforms and beats Hamilton there’s absolutely a question about car vs. driver.
You must not be familiar with the UK media - I'm pretty sure it enjoys tearing people down at least as much as it enjoys hyping them up. Give it time...Yes, but ultimately it's a UK-dominated press covering the sport, and they will never question Lewis.
Certainly hasn't happened yet. They're bending over backwards to find explanations for George beating Lewis thus far. The latest one is "Mercedes are experimenting with the car on Lewis' side of the garage, and he's carrying the burden of trying to improve the car."You must not be familiar with the UK media - I'm pretty sure it enjoys tearing people down at least as much as it enjoys hyping them up. Give it time...
Haven't seen that one. Link?Lewis's jewelry becomes the focus this week. What will Mercedes do? Knowingly sign the affidavit?
I think the safety concern is legitimate. If he needs an MRI after a crash, cutting rings off him shouldn't be in the way.
I didn’t have that context in my head when considering this. Now it just looks like two entitled children complaining about who kicked who first.After last season Mercedes, and by association Hamilton, wanted the FIA to enforce the rulebook to the letter. Careful what you wish for, folks.