19/03/2023
NEWS STORY
To be perfectly clear, just in case you haven't got the message; we don't like this track. Indeed, we really, really, really don't like this track.
It's got nothing to do with human rights, Pride or any of the virtue signalling stuff, it's just that we regard it as unnecessarily dangerous, the proverbial accident waiting to happen.
Indeed, with the barriers either side, barely a landmark worth mentioning, and the total lack of character it's as if little Johnny got sick of his Hot Wheels track, with its ludicrous loop-di-loop that only looks good in TV ads, and opted for a flat version.
Sure, like last year's cat and mouse stuff with Charles and Max it will create lots of camera friendly moments for the blessed ads and PR bumf, but any mouth wide open experiences will be down to the sheer fear of inevitability as opposed to the type of jaw-dropping stuff we see at 'proper' circuits.
Sadly however, as with most things these days, the little man's voice doesn't matter and while promoters are willing to pay the big bucks we will get more and more horrible little tracks like this, and less of the classics, where superlatives take precedence over spectacle, PR over passion.
So, accepting that we've got to "make Do", let's look at the positives...
The first of which being that Charles starts from 12th and Max 15th, ensuring that both have their work cut out, not only in terms of getting to the front but battling one another.
Then there's that little battle at the front, with Sergio up against Fernando, a man who not only knows every trick in the book but invented most of them. Let's face it, the Spaniard's best hope today is getting ahead of the Mexican at the start, so those first few moments should be worth the price of admission alone.
Of course, with Max demoted due to his driveshaft failure, there will be nobody to help, while Lance is starting from 5th, and though he will have battles of his own, could still assist his Aston Martin teammate.
From there it's anyone's guess, with Russell, the Alpines, Hamilton and Piastri just ahead of a midfield battle that could fall in anyone's favour.
As if this wasn't enough, not only is there the threat of the dreaded Safety Car and VSC but the continuing fear in terms of reliability, especially with the Ferraris.
Indeed, in many ways it's like little Johnny doesn't feel that his flattened Hot Wheels track is enough, and has hit the old game of Monopoly box under the stairs and extracted a few of the 'go to jail' and community chest' cards to add some extra spice.
Here is where we really got to experience the DRS train for the first time last year, and we fear that it will play as part again this afternoon, while the stewards also appear determined to crack down on track limits.
Though the season has barely begun, another aspect of interest is that of the various teammates. At Mercedes and McLaren, one drivers appears to be buckling down and making the best of what they have, while their respective teammates pout and moan to the media.
At Haas we have Pierre already giving Esteban a run for his money, while Zhou is looking strong, especially in qualifying, and Nico appears to be getting the better of Kevin.
The fastest strategy is set to be a one-stopper. Simulations show the combination of medium and hard to be slightly quicker than the other two options available, even though the differences are relatively small. To run this optimal strategy, the pit stop window is between laps 18 and 25, while the pit stop window for a soft-hard strategy is between laps 13 and 20. For a medium-soft strategy, the time to change is between laps 27 and 34.
The only two-stopper to consider would involve starting on the soft and then swapping to medium between laps 10 and 15, before going back onto soft with a second stop between laps 32 and 38.
There's always a high risk of neutralisations and stoppages, as Sergio will well remember. Having taken the first pole of his career last year, he pitted a lap before the safety car came out in the race - which cost him the chance to stay in the lead.
The pitlane opens and Stroll is first out, followed by Zhou, Bottas, Leclerc, de Vries and Sainz.
The air temperature is 26 degrees C, while the track temperature is 33 degrees.
Verstappen complains that his brake pedal is slippery and his heel keeps sliding.
Lots of practice starts at the end of the pitlane before the drivers head to the grid.
Last to take their place is Hamilton.
Asked about having Verstappen right behind him at the start, Magnussen tells Sky Sports. "Max in my mirrors and an eye on the front. I don't expect it to be my fight. One of those where you try to not lose any time with it and take care of your tyres when they overtake you. In Bahrain we struggled with degradation, it seems a bit better here but we are still not the best."
"We have a quick car, but I still need to be careful," says Verstappen. "It's a long championship, a lot of things can happen, but I also don't think it is realistic to try and fight for the win. I'll try to move forward. We have a quick car, cornering wise, but also on the straight line. I just need to be careful."
All are starting on mediums bar Leclerc and Norris who are on softs and Hamilton and Sargeant who are on hards. Fresh rubber all round.
They head off on the formation lap, all getting away cleanly, Though Sargeant feels there is something wrong with his car.
The grid forms, albeit very, very slowly.
They're away! Great starts from both Perez and Alonso, the Mexican moving across to cover the Spanish driver. However, as they move back across the track in preparation for the entry to Turn 1, Alonso has the advantage.
Russell holds off Sainz, who has Stroll on the inside and Ocon right behind.
Through the next complex of corners, Albon misses a corner while Piastri loses a piece of bodywork.
Stroll passes Sainz at T13, going around the outside of the Ferrari, while Alonso is noted by the Stewards for an incorrect starting position - as was the case with Ocon in Bahrain.
Piastri reports car damage, the Australian having clashed with Gasly as the McLaren driver made a move on the Alpine in Turn 2
At the end of lap 1, it's: Alonso, Perez, Russell, Stroll, Sainz, Ocon, Hamilton, Gasly, Leclerc and Zhou. Verstappen is 13yth.
As Piastri pits for a new front wing, Alonso is given a 5s time penalty.
Leclerc passes Zhou for ninth, as Perez hangs on to the rear of Alonso who has been informed of his penalty.
At the end of Lap 2, Norris pits, and like his teammate he takes on a new front wing.
At the start of Lap 4, Perez nails Alonso as they head into Turn 1, the Spaniard attempts to fight back but the Mexican is already away.
"A lot of understeer, mate," complains Hamilton, who is up to seventh.
Verstappen passes Magnussen for 11th as Leclerc closes on Gasly who is 8th.
Alonso is hard on the heels of Perez, While Russell has Stroll and Sainz filling his mirrors.
Hamilton is trying to break the tow as Gasly and Leclerc are all over his rear. The Monegasque passes the Alpine and sets about dealing with the Mercedes driver.
Lap 7 sees Perez post a new fastest lap (34.277) as he 'enjoys' a 0.700s lead over Alonso who is 3.6s clear of Russell.
Hamilton has been noted for weaving on the straight.
"Plan A, definitely Plan A," Alonso is told. "Yes mate, I'm trying," he replies.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Jeddah here.
Magnussen pits at the end of Lap 8, as Verstappen closes to within 0.588s of Gasly, as Leclerc finally passes Hamilton courtesy of DRS.
Verstappen passes Gasly for 9th, his next target, Hamilton, being 1.359s up the road.
Bottas pits at the end of Lap 9.
Alonso is told that the hards are not looking great and therefore the team is looking to extend his stint. The Spaniard is now 2.2s down on Perez but 6.5s clear of Russell.
Verstappen is all over the back of his old pal Hamilton. The Dutchman nails the Mercedes as they head towards Turn 1.
Zhou and Hulkenberg both pit at the end of Lap 11.
Perez is warned that his front-right is a "concern" following his lock-up at Turn 1 at the start.
Leclerc leaves Ocon for dead on the pit straight, moving the Ferrari driver up to 6th.
"My tyres feel good," says Alonso, "I can keep going."
"The car is a bit loose in traffic," says Sainz who is currently fifth. He looks as if he is about to pit but stays out and instead it is Stroll who stops. Did Ferrari sell Aston Martin a dummy?
Meanwhile Verstappen passes Ocon, the Dutchman now 1.7s down on Leclerc.
As Stroll rejoins in 11th, Gasly pits, the Frenchman rejoining in 14th.
Sainz finally pits at the end of Lap 15, rejoining in 9th just ahead of Stroll.
Verstappen is all over Leclerc, but the Monegasque pits, as does Ocon.
Russell is told that his stint is being extended.
Further misery for Stroll, who, having lost out to Sainz, now finds himself behind Leclerc also.
"Lance, stop the car," the Canadian is told, "stop on track." Double yellows are waved.
The Safety Car is deployed.
Tsunoda is first to pit, then Albon and de Vries as Stroll appeared to suffer a brake issue.
Perez pits, as do Alonso, who serves his penalty, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton and Sargeant.
Alonso serves his penalty but such is his lead over Russell he retains second position.
After 18 laps, and still behind the Safety Car, it's: Perez, Alonso, Russell, Verstappen, Sainz, Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Ocon and Gasly. All are on hards bar Hamilton who is now on mediums.
Norris makes his second stop of the afternoon, switching to mediums.
The Safety Car is withdrawn at the end of Lap 20.
Told to push Hamilton on the straight, Leclerc isn't happy. "Xavi, you should have told me that before!"
The race resumes, while the leaders maintain position, Ocon and Gasly are battling for 9th.
Verstappen is all over Russell, while Hamilton is all over Sainz, the Briton nailing the Spaniard into Turn 1 at the start of Lap 22.
As Verstappen harries Russell he is aware that Hamilton is closing in on his faster mediums.
Of course, the big question is will those mediums last the remaining 27 laps.
"These tyres are good," says Alonso. "I like these tyres."
Verstappen finally sweeps past Russell on the run to Turn 27, the Dutchman now running second, 0.703s down on Alonso and 5.6s on race leader Perez.
Sainz is shown the black and white flag for weaving on the straight, while Bottas and Magnussen are the latest to have times deleted for exceeding the track limits.
Alonso makes no attempt to defend his position when Verstappen makes his move, the canny Spaniard more concerned at protecting his podium position from the Mercedes pair.
"If we can't get de Vries we'll have to let Lando have a go," Piastri is told. "If Lando attacks don't make it too difficult," he is warned. The pair are currently running 17th and 18th.
Lap 25 sees Verstappen post a new fastest lap (32.933).
"Oh my God, brake failure," warns Albon. That said, he drives past the pit entry and stays out. However, he subsequently slows.
Hamilton closes on his Mercedes teammate, who clearly has no intention of making things easy.
Albon finally pits, his day's work clearly at an end.
"Argh ****," says Russell when told that Alonso has served his penalty. The Briton is unwilling to yield to his teammate.
Lap 29 sees a new fastest lap from Verstappen (32.670) who is 5.1s down on his teammate.
Sargeant having a great scrap with Hulkenberg for 12th.
Perez and Verstappen trade fastest laps as the gap hovers around 4 - 5 seconds.
As the Hulkenberg/Sargeant scrap continues, Zhou decides to join in the fun.
Desperate to hold on to the rear of Alonso, whilst fending off Hamilton, Russell is told that he can lean on his rears more.
"Main loss to Max is over-pushing the entry to Turn 16," Perez is advised.
"Being behind like this is really ****," says Leclerc, "I don't know what to do." He is currently 7th, 1.9s down on his teammate.
Hulkenberg's teammate, Magnussen is all over Tsunoda as they battle for 10th and the last point.
Lap 35 sees another fastest lap from Verstappen (32.249), as he closes to within 4.4s.
Bottas makes his second stop of the afternoon on Lap 35, as Sargeant is told to keep doing what he's doing. "We have plan," he is told, "we can match him (Hulkenberg), keep him close."
"We are much faster," says Alonso, "keep an eye on the Safety Car, we have this under control."
Meanwhile, Verstappen reports a worrying vibration.
Sargeant is caught napping by Zhou, as the Williams driver slips to 14th.
Verstappen continues to express concern, the world champion worried about his driveshaft following yesterday's failure. However, the team assures him that it is "happy".
Despite his concern, he maintains a 4.5s gap to Perez.
"If there was a Safety Car would you be happy with the soft," Norris is asked.
Meanwhile, Verstappen is asked if he is still experiencing his issues. "It's still there," he replies.
After 40 laps, it's: Perez, Verstappen (+ 4.4s), Alonso (+ 14.6s), Russell (+ 5.1s), Hamilton (+ 2.9s), Sainz (+ 4.3s), Leclerc (+ 2.3s), Ocon (+ 8.9s), Gasly (+ 2.3s) and Tsunoda (+ 6.7s).
Check out our Sunday gallery from Jeddah here.
Sargeant's afternoon goes from bad to worse, no sooner has he lost 14th to de Vries than Norris is all over the Williams.
"That last lap was seven-tenths quicker than anyone else," Alonso is told.
"Guys, we really don't need this, are we pushing now?" says Perez who is concerned that Verstappen is closing. "You're free to push," he is assured as he extends his lead to 5.1s.
Currently holding the fastest lap, if it remains like this he would assume the lead of the world championship.
At the other and of the field, Piastri passes his McLaren teammate, only for Norris to promptly retake the position.
Magnussen passes Tsunoda for 10th, however the Japanese retakes the position only for the Haas driver to snatch it back. "****," shouts the AlphaTauri driver in frustration.
Verstappen is again told not to worry as the team isn't concerned at any issue. "But I am," he snaps.
"Do not make it too difficult for Oscar," Norris is told as Piastri closes to within 0.7s.
Alonso is told that Russell is 4.7s behind. "However, it would be nice to have the five seconds... just in case." He is warned.
At Mercedes, Russell is told to close the gap.
On the final lap, Verstappen goes quickest in S1, the Dutchman going for fastest lap. As Alonso extends the gap to 5.1s.
Perez takes the flag, while a 31.906 sees Verstappen claim fastest lap. Alonso crosses the line in third, 5.138s ahead of Russell.
Having been passed by his teammate, salt is rubbed in Norris's wounds as Sargeant also passes his McLaren.
Behind the podium finishers, it's Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Ocon, Gasly and Magnussen who claims the final point.
Tsunoda is eleventh, ahead of Hulkenberg, Zhou, de Vries, Piastri, Sargeant, Norris and Bottas, while Albon and Stroll were the only DNFs.
"What a start to the season," beams Alonso, following his second successive podium finish, "probably unthinkable.
"I need to review the start," he adds, "I made a mistake so when they told me I knew I needed to drive even faster. It's a hard Grand Prix but I push all the way through like qualifying laps."
"It wasn't very easy to get through the field," adds Verstappen, "trying to follow was difficult, but very happy to be here on the podium.
"We decided to settle for second and call it a day, but it was still a very good recovery."
In the coold down room the world champion insists that he would have caught up even without the Safety Car.
"It turned out to be tougher than expected," says Perez. "I was on for the victory last year, so finally I got it.
"The team have worked so hard across the weekend, we had a lot of mechanical issues. We will keep pushing, we were the fastest car out there."
Thankfully there were no incidents, though one gets the feeling that there will be few disgruntled drivers tonight following some of the orders that were being dished out.
Meanwhile, as expected, the stewards subsequently announce that they are investigating whether Alonso served his penalty correctly.
Indeed, the Spaniard is handed a 10s penalty which drops him to fourth, the decision coming moments after he was awarded the trophy.
Social media is already awash with comments regarding how uneventful the race was, however it is penalties like that meted out to Alonso - not forgetting the nonsense with Ocon in Bahrain - that the sport needs to look at.
Replay shows that when Alonso served his penalty, the rear jack was touching the car, and for that - something over which the driver had no control, and wasn't even aware - he is penalised. Sorry, but in our humble opinion it is petty and pathetic.
While the sport continues to use tracks like this there is little that can be done to improve the racing, but on the other hand the powers-that-be need to take a good look at how some of the rules are applied and enforced.
Russell and Mercedes might feel satisfied that 'justice was served' but we would be more impressed if he had actually closed the gap to Alonso at the end, whereas the Spaniard extended it out.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Jeddah here.