Race 21. This is where Hamilton for all intents and purposes ties the 2021 championship up so that there is 1 final race to crown the champion.
What if F1 is now the new WWF? It is almost like this is all scripted.
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Race 21. This is where Hamilton for all intents and purposes ties the 2021 championship up so that there is 1 final race to crown the champion.
What if F1 is now the new WWF? It is almost like this is all scripted.
I'm still thinking this race is not going to happen. The track is not even built! Weird.
I'm not sure they could write a script this good really.
Unless the layout differs greatly from what it seems, Jeddah should favor Merc. But Yas Marina is much tighter, and might remain RB territory. At this point if either constructor can make a 1-2 finish it would be a big blow for the WDC standings as well as the WCC standings. And there is potential for it to happen at either track if the #2 drivers stay on their game. I'm expecting Jeddah to favor Merc, but with the fresh track and conditions, it may well be a toss up, as well as which team found some performance within their resources.
Well you can't expect them to alter the track to suit the winning car until they have all the data from previous races, can you? :laugh:
In all seriousness, with a track very green I hope they don't have any "bedding in" hassles with the drains, curbs, etc. Even more with the surface itself. With the way they are pushing the schedule it could be very slick still, and that would really suck for the race.
F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix doubts raised as track completion going 'down to the wire'
The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will be pivotal in the F1 title race, but doubts have surfaced as to whether the venue for the penultimate meeting of the season will be ready on time.
By Fraser Watson
12:55, Wed, Nov 17, 2021
The F1 title race won't be only thing going down 'to the wire' amid fresh doubts that the track in Saudi Arabia will be ready in time to host the penultimate race of the season. This weekend, drivers head to Qatar for a third Grand Prix in as many weeks, and will then take a two-week break ahead of a first ever F1 event at the Jeddah Street Circuit, from December 3-5.
Read MORE here;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ompletion-news
Jeddah track construction to be complete “in coming days”
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted on
21st November 2021, 11:1621st November 2021, 11:28 | Written by Keith Collantine
Construction of the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be completed within a few days according to the promoters of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which is due to take place at the track in two weeks’ time.
New photographs show the extent of the construction work on the 6.1-kilometre temporary course which will hold the country’s first Formula 1 race.
Read MORE here;
https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/21/...n-coming-days/
Jeddah Corniche Circuit nears completion ahead of the inaugural F1 Grand Prix
November 21, 2021
JEDDAH — With just two weeks to go until the inaugural Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 makes its long-awaited debut, anticipation is beginning to rise for the moment the world’s greatest drivers will take on the formidable challenge of the world’s fastest and longest street track, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Set to host the penultimate round of this year’s enthralling Formula 1 season, the newest race on the calendar is readying itself to play host to a titanic title battle for the ages between seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and the young pretender to his crown, Max Verstappen.
Work on the track — which is officially termed a temporary facility — only began last April and is set to be completed in the coming days. Indeed, this remarkable achievement will add another record to its burgeoning list of early accomplishments: no F1 circuit has ever been constructed in a shorter period.
This incredible feat is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the inaugural Saudi Grand Prix’s devoted workforce, who have been striving tirelessly to deliver this stunning racetrack on time.
Read MORE here;
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/...-F1-Grand-Prix
Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton: How the 2021 Formula 1 title could be clinched at Saudi Arabian GP
F1's closest championship in years could be decided in inaugural Saudi Arabian GP - find out all the permutations in both the drivers' and team battles; race at Jeddah street track is live on Sky Sports F1 on December 5
By Matt Morlidge
Last Updated: 22/11/21 12:51pm
Read MORE here;
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36...udi-arabian-gp
Verstappen could wrap up first F1 title in Saudi Arabia
Reuters
22 November, 2021
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will have his first shot at clinching the Formula 1 title at the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a couple of weeks’ time but the World Championship leader could also see his advantage disappear entirely.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2021/11...-saudi-arabia/
We are used to one team running away with the championship from; at least midseason. This 2021 season has turned everything we know on its head. It is not even clear for certain, who would win what.
We thought Redbull and Verstappen would win in Brazil, they didn't. We head to a track that is completely new to racing. There is no data at all to work with. Not even motorcycle racing information. It is anyone's guess who would win at this race.
One thing is certain, If Verstappen wins in Jeddah, the driver's championship is more or less over. If Hamilton wins, then it is very much a toss of the coin who wins the driver's championship. On paper, Mercedes is the favourite to win those two races. But they have to be flawless and hope their stock of engines still have the grunt that has been troublesome for Redbull. If not, chances are Redbull, would win both championships. This is true even if they have the engine to win Jeddah but lack the engine to win Abu Dhabi.
So by the look of things, it is all still up in the air. The script of the season would write itself at the start and last few laps of Abu Dhabi.
That Yas Marina may suit Redbull more than Mercedes is definitely uncertain. Mercedes was quicker than Redbull through the slow corners at Qatar. This suggests that Mercedes may be just as fast through the twisties as Redbull if not faster at Yas Marinas. It comes down to what their relative speed is on the straights. With an engine with low mileage, my money would be on the Mercedes. Otherwise, it easily would be Redbull.
Yep, looks like Jeddah will favour Merc but as Totto put it, Lewis will be using their 'spicy' engine in the remaining two races regardless (they didn't use it last weekend) so I guess the million dollar question is, will it be enough to help Lewis prevail at an otherwise Red Bull favouring Yas Marina? I think it probably will but I can't say that with any real certainty. This is shaping up to be a mouth watering stonking finale, the outcome of which, will be argued about for a very long time.
I just hope both the cars can keep up their stunning reliability to keep them in the game, would be a real shame for the fans if either of the title protagonists had a DNF in the next two.
Yes, I think so based on the circuit characteristics. 3 corners have been changed for AD this year.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5yPUInsek.html
As long as we don't have camels and goats running across the track, we are bound for a great race weekend. Being a new track included on the calendar at short notice, we would have to hope for a reasonable circuit. It would be much better next season l am very sure.
We however go into this race with Verstappen feeling the crosshairs of Hamilton burning into his back. Redbull would be digging real deep to find an answer to the Mercedes bullet on the fast corners of Jeddah. It is a race that would not be devoid of controversy as desperation levels reach the red zone at both camps. The stewards have to be vigilant as ever, with a high level of consistency and fairness. As any decisions they make could gift the championship title fairly or unfairly to either party. Qatar was a blemish on their record, but they have to do much better in these very crucial last two races.
Wolff warns Red Bull: ‘Spicy equipment’ on the way
Date published: November 22 2021 - Jon Wilde
Toto Wolff confirmed Lewis Hamilton’s 'rocket engine' will be rolled out again in Saudi Arabia – after he dominated the Qatar Grand Prix.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/toto-w...icy-equipment/
Mercedes send warning: Hamilton to use 'spicy engine' again in Saudi Arabia
21 November 17:35
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed that Lewis Hamilton's car will be fitted with their "spicy engine", which was used at the Brazilian Grand Prix, next time out in Saudi Arabia.
https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-s...n-saudi-arabia
Lewis Hamilton set to get ‘spicy equipment’ in Saudi Arabia, Toto Wolff reveals
Mercedes are aiming to top the table in both driver and constructor standings
Karl Matchett
10:09, 22 Nov 2021
The improvements made to his engine on that occasion meant that despite a grid penalty - plus being excluded from qualifying - he came from 10th to triumph in Sao Paulo and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feels the layout of the track in Saudi Arabia means it’s ideal to bring back the so-called ‘rocket engine’, after it was replaced in Qatar.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b1961972.html
'Spicy equipment’ on the way for Lewis Hamilton in Saudi Arabia, warns Toto Wolff
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is optimistic ahead of the Saudi Arabia GP
By Liam LlewellynSports Trends Writer
19:52, 22 Nov 2021
WOLF “…it’s a long straight, we’ll get our spicy equipment out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use [in Qatar]…”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...spicy-25520968
Unlikely in a city the size of Jeddah but Camel Spider's do have a penchant for bright lights and can show up anywhere.
Camel Spiders are rumoured to run at 30km/h and the sight of a dozen spiders, up on their haunches, galloping down the main straight could be a wonder of nature we might not soon forget.
My wife and I lived and worked in Saudi for many years in the 90's. We are so very pleased that there will be an F1 Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. Wow.
We both hope that the race in Jeddah is a resounding success and are hoping to be there for next years race. Fingers are crossed...
Mercedes beat Red Bull in Qatar corners, not the straights
Date published: November 24 2021 - Jamie Woodhouse
Mercedes have revealed that it was not their straight-line speed which beat Red Bull in Qatar, instead they did it in the corners.
Lewis Hamilton was dominant in Formula 1’s first visit to the Losail International Circuit, taking pole and the victory at a canter as title rival Max Verstappen was forced to settle for P2.
Much had been made about Hamilton’s new ‘rocket’ engine which made an emphatic debut in Sao Paulo, but it was given a rest for the Qatar GP, and data did indeed show that Mercedes and Red Bull were pretty even in a straight line in Qatar.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...qatar-corners/
Hill fears 'hunter' Hamilton running out of chances
Andrew Lewin24/11/2021 at 09:1724/11/2021 at 12:08
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill believes that the momentum is with Lewis Hamilton in his 2021 battle with Max Verstappen, but that the Briton is running of time and opportunities to pull off an eighth title.
Hamilton pulled off an impressive comeback drive for victory in Sao Paulo after being hit by multiple penalties, and then cruised to a dominant lights-to-flag win in Qatar to cut the points gap to Verstappen in the drivers standings.
He's now just eight points behind his rival with two races to do. On paper, two more back-to-back wins in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi could see him win the title - but Hill reckons that will be very difficult to achieve.
https://f1i.com/news/426189-hill-fea...f-chances.html
Formula 1: Helmut Marko makes very bold Red Bull prediction in fight with Mercedes at Saudi GP
By George Dagless
Published: 24 Nov 2021, 13:00
Never shy of giving his predictions for Formula 1, Helmut Marko has gone on record to say he expects Mercedes' recent pace advantage over Red Bull to no longer exist once we get to the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
The last two races have seen Max Verstappen and the Bulls rather hit for six with Lewis Hamilton's sheer speed in his Mercedes proving too hot for them and anyone else to handle.
Indeed, with two races to go, there are just eight points between the title rivals and many are suggesting that it's actually Hamilton in second place that looks the favourite for the championship because of recent form.
“Saudi Arabia is called a Mercedes job, but how often did things like this come out this year? We just have to win there,” he said to Servus TV.
“What I heard from Hermann Tilke, the track designer, is that they are fast sweeps, but they are not absolute straights.
“A lot will depend on the performance of the tyres, as we saw in Qatar.
“Mercedes is no longer superior in top speed."
https://www.givemesport.com/1790939-...es-at-saudi-gp
Who is your money on?
There is no track like Jeddah in the F1 calendar, so it would be interesting to see if Tilke has got this one right. Being a street circuit, overtaking may be a challenge. But it promises to be a very fast track. We would find out at the race weekend if it translates into great entertaining racing.
I love reading this guy. Check this out. It is better said than l could manage.
Here is a pretty good sim.
F1 2021 Jeddah New Track Gameplay - Jeddah Corniche Circuit - YouTube
It looks like a really fun track!
Yup!!
:angel: https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1...-in-the-world/Quote:
There will be a total of 3 DRS zones spread across the circuit. The first DRS zone is between turn 20 and turn 22, with the detection zone placed around the exit of turn 17. A rather short zone compared to the other two.
It would be like Monaco in that respect. But there would be a crash or two to make it interesting. Because of the three DRS zones, there would be overtakes on the straight and the fast swooping curve. There would be overtakes and counter overtakes. But the grid would most likely split into three groups
Had a look at it on the sim.. if its anywhere remotely close to this it does look like it might be possible. The DRS zone positions will have to be carefully considered for sure, if it isn't to be a 'Train' track.
https://youtu.be/rDY6oDhay8g
Not sure what my thoughts are on it are yet, it could turn out to very Monaco like in which case Qualy will likely be very important. It should provide a good sensation of speed but also a very fine line between a good result and a disastrous DNF.
There likely will be a good few casualties and safety cars in this one which could shake things right up.
It looks like it will be a very unforgiving track if you make mistakes. My gut says it will be interesting race.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GM8Hw2Jvr.html
Very narrow in quite a few areas, and lots of places where getting it wrong could be costly.
There could be some passing opportunities with the DRS zones in play, and some corners are tight enough that being late on the brakes could pay off. Being a little too late could be bad in a hurry.
I'd be shocked if we don't see red flags or a safety car at some point in the race.
KIMI RAIKKONEN
Raikkonen: I'm happy Formula 1 is nearly over for me
Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has admitted that he feels happy his Formula 1 career is almost at an end.
Author Thomas Maher
Co-author Dieter Rencken
Kimi Raikkonen isn't showing any signs of regretting his decision to walk away from Formula 1 at the end of 2021.
The Finn is calling time on a career of more than two decades at the top level, with the 42-year-old concluding that now is the right time to retire to be with his young family at home in Switzerland.
Raikkonen's F1 career will conclude in Abu Dhabi next weekend and, despite the finish now being in sight, was his usual taciturn self when asked about whether he feels any sadness.
"No, why would you get emotional about it?" Raikkonen told accredited media, including RacingNews365.com, when asked about whether reality is hitting home.
"I'm looking really forward, I'm happy that it is soon over, so nothing sad, nothing bad about it. I think it's good."
As for whether he plans on watching the races in 2022 when he's not busy on a Sunday, Raikkonen laughed.
"I'm sure not, but probably... I'm sure I'll see some of them" he added.
"I don't know fully, but we'll see what happens. I doubt that I'll put on an alarm clock to make sure that I don't miss it, but I'm sure I'll see some of them."
https://racingnews365.com/raikkonen-...ly-over-for-me
Sports
Formula 1: Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton says 'not comfortable' with racing in Saudi Arabia
Hamilton aired his views in a news conference in Jeddah where the penultimate race of the 2021 Formula One season takes place on Sunday.
Agence France-Presse December 03, 2021 13:04:35 IST
Jeddah: World champion Lewis Hamilton admitted on Thursday he is "not comfortable" racing in Saudi Arabia this weekend as the Gulf kingdom again faces accusations of "sportswashing".
"Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn't say I do," British driver Hamilton told a news conference in Jeddah where the penultimate race of the 2021 Formula One season takes place on Sunday.
https://www.firstpost.com/sports/for...-10183071.html
Everyone wants Verstappen to win title says Ecclestone
DECEMBER 3, 2021
Bernie Ecclestone says he and "everyone I speak to" hopes that Max Verstappen is crowned world champion for the first time either this or next Sunday.
The former F1 supremo insists that is nothing against seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton - he thinks it's simply time Formula 1 had a new winner.
When asked if an eighth title would put Hamilton above the status of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, 91-year-old Ecclestone insisted to RTL: "No, not at all.
"In fact, I'm surprised Lewis didn't say at the beginning of the year 'I'm retiring - I don't want to win more races or world championships than Michael'," he added.
https://www.grandprix.com/news/every...cclestone.html
Lewis Hamilton’s title duel with Max Verstappen could turn nasty in fiery final showdowns, warns Damon Hill
Evening Standard
11:04am
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/for...l-b969839.html
How Max Verstappen can win the F1 title this weekend, as Daniel Ricciardo just aims for strong finish
By Michael Doyle
Max Verstappen will go into this weekend's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix with a slender, eight-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers championship.
The 24-year-old Red Bull driver has almost been helpless in the past two races as seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton stormed to consecutive victories, closing the gap between the drivers.
However, while Hamilton and his Mercedes team have all of the momentum, Verstappen can still be crowned world champion in Jeddah.
For this to happen, Verstappen will have to finish in the top two, or the title fight will go to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
To be world champion, Verstappen will have to leave Saudi Arabia with a 27-point lead over Hamilton.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-...kend/100663906
Biased comments like that show why he no longer is in charge of F1. If Bernie is reiterating what he has heard from within the F1 management, then it would explain all those dodgy stewards decisions. They may well be prepared to overlook any dodgy Redbull antics at the next two races.
If Redbull is on their back foot after qualifying, their only real play is to take out Hamilton with one of their cars. This will of course depend on how well Bottas does his role. Redbull can see the light at the end of the tunnel, so my money is on them being dirty at this race.
:spanner: **** Bernie!:monkeedan
No need for conspiracy theories. F1 wants Hamilton to win this race and for the championship to go to the last race.
For the sake of the "show" Red Bull will play it safe and hope to minimize their loss of points this weekend. They have already signaled that - it is clear Mercedes is too fast for RB this weekend.
Bernie's an 1diot. If he got what he wanted, we'd have a medal system right now in stead of points, and Max (with his 9 wins) would have wrapped up the championship a couple of months ago.
FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 1
03 05 Dec 2021 Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ractice-1.html
FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 2
03 05 Dec 2021 Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ractice-2.html
Horner calls Red Bull’s pace ‘really encouraging’ as they prepare for decisive battle in Jeddah
03 December 2021
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...hrLFjBYzw.html