5 Amazing Moments at the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Formula 1,

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix might be one of Formula 1’s newest events, but it has already established itself as a high-stakes, high-drama race that consistently delivers the unexpected. Held on the ultra-fast, street-style Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the race combines raw speed with unforgiving walls — the perfect recipe for chaos. Since its debut in 2021, the Saudi GP has featured controversial clashes, intense strategy battles, and emotional podiums. Here are five of the wildest and most memorable moments to date.

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1. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021: Hamilton and Verstappen’s Championship Clash

The first-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix turned into an all-out war between title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. With the championship on the line, the race was red-flagged twice and saw multiple incidents involving the two. After a late-race collision — when Verstappen slowed unexpectedly to give the position back to Hamilton — tensions reached a boiling point. Hamilton called Verstappen’s driving “over the limit,” while Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty post-race. Hamilton still managed to win, tying the points heading into the now-infamous Abu Dhabi finale.

2. 2022: Verstappen Edges Leclerc in DRS Chess Match

One year later, the drama didn’t slow down. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc went head-to-head in an intense wheel-to-wheel duel that turned into a game of DRS cat-and-mouse. Both drivers backed off before the detection zone to try and gain the DRS advantage — twice in the same lap. Verstappen eventually found his moment and overtook Leclerc with just four laps to go. The margin of victory? Just 0.549 seconds. It was a masterclass in high-speed racecraft and split-second strategy.

3. 2023: Alonso’s 100th Podium… After a Twist

Fernando Alonso’s return to the podium with Aston Martin in 2023 should’ve been a celebration. And it was — until it wasn’t. The Spaniard was given a 5-second penalty during the race for lining up incorrectly on the grid. He served it during his pit stop, but post-race, the stewards ruled the penalty hadn’t been properly applied, handing third place to George Russell. Aston Martin quickly appealed, and a few hours later, Alonso was reinstated. The result? Alonso’s 100th career podium — officially this time — and another bizarre twist in Jeddah.

4. 2022: Mick Schumacher’s Horrific Qualifying Crash

During Q2 of the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Mick Schumacher lost control of his Haas at high speed and slammed into the wall with a force that split the car in two. The crash brought out the red flags and delayed the session significantly. Thankfully, Schumacher was conscious, responsive, and later airlifted to the hospital for precautionary checks. He was declared unfit to race on Sunday, but his escape was widely seen as a testament to modern F1 safety standards — and a stark reminder of how brutal Jeddah’s walls can be.

5. 2023: Pérez Converts Pole to Victory

After taking pole position in qualifying, Sergio Pérez drove a clean and composed race to claim victory at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — the fifth win of his career. Max Verstappen started 15th due to a mechanical issue in qualifying but charged back to finish second. While the two Red Bulls dominated the race, tensions bubbled under the surface over who got fastest lap (Verstappen snatched it on the final lap). It was a dominant 1–2 for the team, but one that hinted at early-season rivalry brewing between the Red Bull teammates.

Most Successful Drivers & Constructors at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Most Successful Drivers:

  • Max Verstappen – 2 wins (2022, 2024)
  • Lewis Hamilton – 1 win (2021)
  • Sergio Pérez – 1 win (2023)

Most Successful Constructors:

  • Red Bull Racing – 3 wins (2022, 2023, 2024)
  • Mercedes – 1 win (2021)

Though it’s only been part of the calendar since 2021, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has already proven to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting races on the schedule. With blistering speeds, zero margin for error, and championship implications almost every year, Jeddah is quickly becoming a modern classic.

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