F1 LIVE | First free practice for the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

This weekend it is time for the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. It will be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. We start the weekend with the first free practice. This practice gives the drivers the opportunity to explore the new track. You can follow this first free practice with the liveblog from GPblog.

LIVEBLOG | First free practice for the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Saudi Arabia will make its debut on the Formula 1 calendar this year. Early this year it was announced that the race would take place in the streets of Jeddah. It was doubtful if the track would be ready in time for the Formula 1 race, but more than two weeks before the race weekend the final touches were made and the track was ready for use. This track has 27 corners and it is expected that the F1 cars will reach an average speed of 250km/h here. This is a new track for each team, so it will be interesting to see who will be on top.

Drivers barely touch the brake pedal during the first sector. There might not be many overtakes going on, but it will be spectacular to see the drivers skills as they look to avoid the walls. After a hairpin with a big grandstand, drivers will make their way back up the coastline of the Red Sea and attack many elongated chicanes and mega long left-hander in sector three. 

Track guide

The tension rises

With two races left the tension is rising when it comes to the title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The difference in points is very little and both drivers are expected to go into the final race weekend with a tie or with a minimal difference. The atmosphere between Mercedes and Red Bull isn't getting any better either, every weekend there are protests or complaints against each other and also this weekend they won't give each other anything anymore.

The first free practice will be very important as it will be on a new circuit. The result of this practice session can already give an indication of the proportions for this weekend.