Formula 1 heads to Jeddah this weekend for the thrilling Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
A race still in its early days, having only been held four times, yet already it’s carved out a reputation for intensity and unpredictability.
The circuit is infamous for its high safety car probability—an astonishing 100% in its brief history—and boasts more corners than any other on the F1 calendar, ensuring moments of chaos and excitement at every turn.
Lando Norris is eager to respond to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri’s stunning victory in Bahrain and Max Verstappen, amid speculation about his Red Bull future, will be determined to rebound from an uncharacteristically disappointing sixth-place finish.
With so much potential for heart-stopping action, it’s only fitting to look back at the unforgettable incidents that have shaped this race’s fiercely passionate history.
Lewis Hamilton wins in 2021 after Max Verstappen battle
The first F1 race in Jeddah was filled with chaos—one safety car period, two red flags, and four virtual safety cars—each adding to the tension on the track.
Mick Schumacher crashed his Haas into the barriers, bringing out the safety car. Mercedes brought both cars into the pit, Lewis Hamilton and at the time Valtteri Bottas, pushing them back to second and third place.
The race was then red flagged, which meant that Max Verstappen could change tyres and would lead the race.
After the first standing restart, Verstappen and Hamilton were involved in their first incident.
Verstappen overtook Hamilton off the race track, shortly before a crash involving Sergio Pérez, Charles Leclerc, Nikita Mazepin, and George Russell resulted in a second red flag period.
In the aftermath, a controversial proposal briefly suggested placing Hamilton in second during the restart, a move that would have sparked outrage and passion among fans and drivers alike.
This proposal was driven by emotional debates over Verstappen’s earlier off-track move—an incident that stirred controversy and divided opinions. Ultimately, the race restarted as planned, with no changes.
Later in the race, Verstappen illegally overtook Hamilton. Instructed to yield, Verstappen slowed dramatically before a DRS detection point.
Unaware of Verstappen’s intentions, Hamilton was caught by surprise when Verstappen braked suddenly, resulting in a collision.
The contact damaged the front wing endplate of Hamilton’s Mercedes and the diffuser of Verstappen’s Red Bull.
The stewards reviewed the incident post-race, handing Verstappen a 10-second time penalty and two super license penalty points. However, this penalty did not affect Verstappen’s finishing position of second.
The incident highlighted the intense rivalry and controversial moments between the two championship contenders during the race.
Hamilton, despite the damage to his car, continued in the race, navigating the aftermath of the collision and the strategic implications of the penalty handed to his rival.
This tumultuous sequence—the disputed restart, the daring overtake, the collision—shaped the course of Hamilton’s race and deepened the saga between these two fierce rivals.
Sergio Pérez’s fifth career victory in 2023 ahead of Max Verstappen
Sergio Pérez started the race confidently from second on the grid, but at the very start, he was overtaken by Fernando Alonso.
However, Alonso had lined up incorrectly and soon received a five-second penalty, which would play into Pérez’s hands later. For the initial laps, Pérez remained close to the leading Alonso.
By lap four, Pérez had managed to overtake Alonso to take the lead of the race. Once in front, Pérez controlled the pace, maintaining a consistent gap to the cars behind him.
When Zhou Guanyu and Nico Hülkenberg made early pit stops, Pérez stayed out, leading the pack.
The safety car’s deployment on lap seventeen—caused by Lance Stroll’s retirement—forced Pérez and the other top contenders into their mandatory pit stops.
During this tense pause, Alonso also served his five-second penalty. When the race resumed, Pérez retained the lead ahead of Alonso.
Despite pressure from Alonso and later his teammate Verstappen, Pérez drove a controlled race, managing his pace and tyre wear effectively.
In the final laps, despite his team reporting some issues with his car, Sergio Pérez maintained his lead and ultimately crossed the finish line to secure a well-deserved victory.
This win marked a significant achievement for Pérez, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities and manage a race from the front.
Oliver Bearman makes his F1 debut after Carlos Sainz has a medical emergency
Carlos Sainz’s appendicitis in 2024 unexpectedly presented a golden opportunity for 19-year-old Oliver Bearman, handing him a sudden Ferrari debut.
Thrust into a high-pressure environment with minimal F1 experience, the young Briton immediately impressed with his composure and raw speed from his starting position further down the grid.
Navigating a chaotic race with incidents like Norris’s start and Stroll’s retirement, Bearman maintained a clean and consistent drive, adhering to Ferrari’s strategy.
As the laps progressed, his confidence grew, showcasing skillful overtaking and impressive car control that belied his limited top-tier experience.
He managed his tires effectively, maintaining a competitive pace and challenging more seasoned drivers.
Oliver Bearman ultimately crossed the finish line in a noteworthy seventh place. This impressive debut not only secured valuable championship points for Ferrari but also served as a resounding testament to his potential as a future Formula 1 star.
The 19-year-old has since stepped up and is driving for Haas this season, although it has been suggested that the F1 team may speak to Bearman’s family about their influence at races.
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen’s battle in 2022
Pérez started on pole but Leclerc and Verstappen gained an advantage by pitting under the safety car deployed after Latifi’s crash.
Pérez briefly retook second with an illegal overtake on Sainz, but had to give the position back.
Later, a virtual safety car hampered Leclerc’s gap to Verstappen and negatively impacted Hamilton’s pit stop timing.
The race then ignited with a captivating DRS battle between Leclerc and Verstappen on laps 42 and 43. Both drivers strategically avoided leading into the DRS zone, creating a tactical chess match at high speed.
Verstappen eventually managed to break away from Leclerc, establishing a full lap lead just three laps later.
A late-race incident involving Albon and Stroll brought out yellow flags, effectively preventing Leclerc from launching a final DRS-assisted attack on Verstappen.
Ultimately, Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the season, with Charles Leclerc finishing a close second after their intense and strategic duel for the lead.
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