P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why Saudi Arabian GP could deliver one of F1’s most "unpleasant" races
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and other F1 drivers agree that the 3.84-mile street track in Jeddah is challenging due to its average speed of 155mph and close-proximity walls necessitating high levels of concentration and precision. Being an anti-clockwise configuration with a smooth surface allows drivers to push the limits of their cars without worrying about excessive tire degradation. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc highlights the physical and mental difficulty of the 50-lap race, emphasizing the precision required on the high-speed corner street track. Max Verstappen notes the continuous high G-forces, absence of straight sections, and impact of bumps on driver vision as additional challenges in Jeddah. Despite differing views on track bumps, all drivers acknowledge Jeddah as one of the most demanding tracks on the F1 calendar due to its unique characteristics and physical demands. Perez, the reigning Jeddah race winner, remembers the intense competition with Verstappen in last year’s race, underscoring the physical demands of racing at this challenging circuit.