The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become a thrilling addition to the Formula 1 calendar, captivating drivers and spectators alike.
This article provides a comprehensive corner-by-corner description of the track, detailing the speeds at which each corner is taken, the gears selected by the drivers, the g-forces experienced, the exit strategies employed, and the braking requirements. Additionally, we will discuss the typical temperatures the drivers face at this challenging event.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Track Layout and Key Features
Saudi GP Turn 1
The first corner is a tight right-hander that comes after a long straight with a DRS zone. The drivers have to brake hard from over 320 km/h to around 100 km/h, downshifting from eighth to third gear.
This is one of the best overtaking spots on the track, as well as one of the most challenging ones, as the drivers have to judge their braking point and avoid locking up or running wide.
The exit of turn 1 is crucial, as it leads to another long straight.
- Speed: Approximately 320 km/h (193 mph)
- Gear: 6th or 7th gear, depending on the car
- G-Force: Around 3.5g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers aim to hug the inside line, optimizing the exit for the following straight.
- Braking: Minimal braking is required due to the high-speed nature of this corner.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turn 2
The second corner is a fast left-hander that follows immediately after turn 1.
The drivers have to accelerate quickly from turn 1 and carry as much speed as possible through turn 2, reaching around 250 km/h in sixth gear. This corner requires good balance and traction, as well as precise steering input.
The drivers have to avoid running onto the kerbs or hitting the wall on the outside.
- Speed: Around 250 km/h (143 mph) for Turn 2 and 215 km/h (134 mph) for Turn 3
- Gear: 5th or 6th gear for both corners
- G-Force: Approximately 3.0g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers carry momentum through Turn 2 and position themselves for the subsequent left-hand Turn 3.
- Braking: Moderate braking is needed to stabilize the car for the left-hander.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 3 and 4
The third and fourth corners are two left-handers that form a chicane. The drivers have to brake slightly from turn 2 and downshift from sixth to fifth gear for turn 3. They negotiate this turn at around 230 km/h.
They flick the car to the right for turn 4. The drivers take it flat out at around 260 km/h in seventh gear. This chicane is tricky, as it has a change of elevation and camber, as well as some bumps.
The drivers have to be careful not to cut the corners or lose momentum.
- Speed: Roughly 230 – 260 km/h (142 mph)
- Gear: 4th gear
- G-Force: Approximately 2.0g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers aim for a late apex, maximizing the speed and maintaining the racing line.
- Braking: Light braking is required to maintain control and ensure a smooth transition to the next section.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 5 to 8
The fifth to eighth corners are a sequence of fast and flowing left-right-left-right turns that test the aerodynamics and grip of the cars.
The drivers have to maintain a high speed through these corners, reaching around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 5, then dropping to around 250 km/h in sixth gear for turn 6, then accelerating back to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 7, then braking slightly to around 260 km/h in sixth gear for turn 8.
These corners require smooth steering inputs and good throttle control, as well as confidence and commitment. The drivers have to avoid running wide or clipping the walls on either side.
- Speed: Approximately 245 km/h (152 mph) for Turn 7 and 230 km/h (143 mph) for Turn 8
- Gear: 5th gear
- G-Force: Around 2.5g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers aim for a wide line in Turn 7 to set up the entry for the following corner, Turn 8.
- Braking: Light to moderate braking is required to negotiate the double right-hand turn successfully.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 9 through 13
The ninth to thirteenth corners are another sequence of fast and flowing turns that follow a similar pattern to turns 5 to 8.
The drivers have to keep up their speed through these corners, reaching around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 9. They drop to around 240 km/h in fifth gear for turn 10. After this they accelerate back to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 11.
They brake slightly to around 260 km/h in sixth gear for turn 12. Finally, they accelerate again to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 13.
These corners are also challenging, as they have some changes of direction and elevation, as well as some blind apexes. The drivers have to be precise and consistent, as well as brave and aggressive.
- Speed: Roughly between 85km/h and 195 km/h (121 mph)
- Gear: 5th gear
- G-Force: Approximately 2.0g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers maintain a smooth line through this corner to optimize the exit for the upcoming straight.
- Braking: Minimal braking is needed due to the high-speed nature of this corner.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 14 and 15
The fourteenth and fifteenth corners are two right-handers that form another chicane.
The drivers have to brake hard from turn 13 and downshift from seventh to third gear for turn 14, which is taken at around 100 km/h. Then they have to flick the car to the right for turn 15, which is taken flat out at around 260 km/h in sixth gear.
This chicane is another overtaking opportunity, as well as another tricky spot, as it has a tight entry and a fast exit. The drivers have to avoid locking up or running wide at turn 14 or hitting the wall on the exit of turn 15.
- Speed: Roughly 205 km/h (127 mph) for both corners
- Gear: 5th gear
- G-Force: Approximately 2.5g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers position themselves on the inside line for Turn 13 to carry momentum through Turn 14.
- Braking: Light to moderate braking is necessary to navigate this double left-hander.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 16 to 18
The sixteenth to eighteenth corners are a sequence of three left-handers that lead to the final sector of the lap.
The drivers brake slightly from turn 15 and downshift from sixth to fifth gear for turn 16. They navigate this corner at around 230 km/h.
Then they accelerate slightly to around 240 km/h in sixth gear for turn 17, which is taken with a small lift.
Braking is again required and downshift from sixth to fourth gear for turn 18, which is taken at around 180 km/h. These corners are not very demanding, but they require good rhythm and timing, as well as good exit speed for the next straight.
- Speed: Around 195 km/h (121 mph) for both corners
- Gear: 5th gear
- G-Force: Approximately 2.0g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers aim for a clean line through the chicane, optimizing the exit for the next section.
- Braking: Moderate braking is crucial to negotiate this challenging chicane.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 19 and 20
The 19th and 20th corners are two right-handers that form the last chicane of the lap.
The drivers have to brake hard from turn 18 and downshift from fourth to second gear for turn 19, which is taken at around 80 km/h. They flick the car to the right for turn 20, which is taken flat out at around 260 km/h in sixth gear.
This chicane is the last overtaking chance of the lap, as well as the last tricky spot, as it has a narrow entry and a wide exit.
The drivers have to avoid cutting the corners or losing traction.
- Speed: Around 260 km/h (162 mph) for both corners
- Gear: 6th gear
- G-Force: Approximately 2.5g
- Exit Strategy: Drivers carry momentum through Turn 19, positioning themselves for a smooth exit from Turn 20.
- Braking: Light to moderate braking is required to negotiate this double right-hand turn.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Turns 21 to 27
The twenty-first to twenty-seventh corners are a sequence of seven fast and flowing turns that bring the drivers back to the start/finish line.
They have to maintain a high speed through these corners, reaching around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 21.
Then they drop to around 250 km/h in sixth gear for turn 22. After turn 22 they accelerate to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 23.
Turn 23 is take at around 260 km/h in sixth gear for turn 24, then accelerating again to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 25.
The car is braked slightly to around 260 km/h in sixth gear for turn 26. The driver accelerates to around 280 km/h in seventh gear for turn 27.
These corners are the most fun and exhilarating part of the lap, as they test the drivers’ skills and courage. The drivers have to be smooth and fast, as well as daring and bold.
The Typical Temperatures at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is one of the fastest and most challenging races on the F1 calendar. It is also one of the hottest and most demanding ones. T
The race takes place in December, which is winter in Saudi Arabia. Despite this the temperatures are still very high, especially in Jeddah, which is located on the Red Sea coast.
The average temperature in Jeddah in December is around 28°C. It can reach up to 35°C during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity is also very high, ranging from 50% to 80%, making the air feel even hotter and stickier.
What Does This Mean for the Drivers?
These conditions pose a significant challenge for the drivers, who have to cope with extreme heat and dehydration inside their cockpits. The drivers can lose up to 3 kg of body weight during the race, due to sweating and breathing.
They also have to deal with high g-forces and physical stress, as well as mental fatigue and concentration.
To cope with these conditions, the drivers have to prepare themselves physically and mentally before the race, by doing the following
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating a balanced diet
- Resting well
- Staying focused
Read more on the diet and exercise requirement of F1 drivers at this link.
They also have to wear special cooling vests and helmets, as well as drink water or electrolytes during the race.
The heat and humidity also affect the performance and reliability of the cars, which have to run at optimal temperatures and pressures.
The engines, brakes, tires and aerodynamics are all sensitive to temperature changes, which can affect their power, grip and efficiency.
The teams have to adjust their setups and strategies accordingly, by choosing the right cooling systems, brake ducts, tire compounds and wing angles. They also have to monitor their data and telemetry closely, to avoid overheating or undercooling their cars.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is one of the most demanding races on the F1 calendar, both for the drivers and the cars. The race takes place on a fast and challenging street circuit in Jeddah, which has high temperatures and humidity.
The drivers have to cope with extreme heat and dehydration inside their cockpits, while the cars have to run at optimal temperatures and pressures. The teams have to adjust their setups and strategies accordingly, to ensure the best performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix track is a challenging and exhilarating circuit for Formula 1 drivers. Each of the 27 corners requires a unique approach, with varying speeds, gear selection, g-forces, exit strategies, and braking requirements. Drivers must navigate the corners skillfully to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, the race takes place in a region.
References
Saudi Arabian GP – The Ultimate Guide to the (f1worldwide.com)
