Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon is preparing for what he expects to be an intensely physical race this weekend in Saudi Arabia. With temperatures predicted to linger around 27°C at the time of Sunday’s race, according to Weather.com, the heat will only heighten the demands of Jeddah’s challenging street race, with track temperatures looking to exceed 60°C at certain points of the weekend.
The 6.1km track, which beautifully stretches along the shoreline of the Red Sea with its 27 corners, has been a favourite of Ocon’s since its inception in 2021. Labelling it “an exciting circuit,” the former Alpine driver is looking forward to a weekend of close racing.
“I think this track is one that’s really demanding on the driver; it’s so fast and there’s so much grip, you need to get so close to the wall and that’s how much time there is to gain – the closer to the wall, you’re going to be gaining over a lap,” Ocon said via the upcoming weekend’s preview from the team.
What makes Jeddah particularly exciting is its tight, blind, high-speed corners, which boast little to no room for mistakes. In fact, it’s the fastest street circuit of the season, with several corners being taken in sixth gear.
With the race taking place later in the year than usual this season, there’s a chance that temperatures could be much higher than what’s currently expected. Ocon expects extreme heat and humidity.
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“It’s going to be extremely hot there, this year we get there much later than before – it’s going to be around 40 degrees – so it’s going to be a challenge for all of us and we need to be ready for the heat,” he said.
Even during the night sessions, humidity is expected to stay at around 50%.
If these extreme temperatures come to fruition, the physical toll on the drivers will be high, making this mentally challenging track even more difficult to navigate. Maintaining focus is paramount on such a layout.
“Overall, I look forward to racing in Saudi,” the Frenchman ended.
