New F1 rivalry, missile incident fire up Saudi GP

McLaren’s Lando Norris (left) and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton fight it out at the Saudi Arabian GP

Max Verstappen may have led Charles Leclerc across the line to confirm the identity of F1’s ‘new era’ protagonists, but the thrilling Saudi Arabian GP posed plenty of questions. The world champion’s victory by half a second in a cat-and-mouse duel with his fellow-24-year-old tyro to finish a close contest between the Red Bull and Ferrari teams kept fans enthralled. It left few doubting their credentials as this year’s contenders. But it was unable to hide a brooding unrest in the pit lane and paddock after a weekend of high-speed crashes, safety and security concerns following Friday’s nearby missile attack and an uneasy disquiet over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

If the close racing, frequent overtaking and swapping of positions signalled the second ‘ground effect’ era in F1 was delivering the sought-after entertainment levels on track, it also supplied surprises. The loss of competitiveness of Mercedes, after eight consecutive championship-winning seasons, undermined seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s hopes at the floodlit Jeddah Street Track and may wreck his bid for a record eighth driver’s title. Hamilton, 37, who finished 10th, spoke in favour of a boycott during four hours of late-night talks on Friday following the missile attack. He remained despondent on Sunday night, admitting: “I am so happy this weekend is done. I’m so happy that everyone is safe. I am just looking forward to getting out. I just want to go home.”

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