The first-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to take place across December 3-5. It’s a landmark moment for the kingdom, as Jeddah will be hosting the global event and welcoming sporting superstars as well as spectators.
The big race takes place on December 5, and all eyes will be on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The two will be battling it out during this crucial match, ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. Here are five things you need to know about the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
There could be a new F1 Champion
The Belgian-Dutch racecar driver, Max Verstappen, is currently at the top of the leadership table. Lewis Hamilton is hot on his heels, however, as he is only eight points behind. If Verstappen wins, it will be a landmark moment for Red Bull and Verstappen, as it will be his first-ever drivers’ title.
… but Lewis Hamilton is still the favourite to win
Despite currently being behind, British superstar driver, Lewis Hamilton, is still being tipped as the favourite to win the race. Hamilton is already the most successful F1 driver in history. If he wins, however, he will set a new all-time record for the F1 championships.
The first Saudi female race driver is the race ambassador
Reema Juffali is not only the first female race driver in Saudi, but she has also been appointed the race ambassador. The 29-year-old took part in the British F3 Championships earlier this year and is now returning to her hometown of Jeddah. During the event, she will be one of the first people to drive the track in a test lap.
The Jeddah track is the fastest street circuit in the world
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a temporary street circuit, which is located slap bang on the Corniche and with views of the Red Sea. While you might associate the beach with a lazy stroll, this location is transformed into a thrilling route for high-speed fun. The speed around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is set to be 252 kilometres per hour, which makes it quicker than Silverstone and the fastest street circuit in the world. The track has been built especially for F1, and the best spot to watch is at turn 13 corner.
Justin Beiber will be headlining the F1 concerts
Justin Bieber, A$AP Rocky and Jason Derulo are just some of the performers at the F1 concert. Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, says: “The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021 is set to be the biggest and best sporting and entertainment event ever hosted in the kingdom and as such, it was important that we deliver a weekend of entertainment unlike any that has been seen before in Saudi Arabia.”
December 3-5. formula1.com
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