Can Verstappen Win In Saudi Arabia

Max Verstappen has rapidly become one of the biggest names in Formula One, and this season has been especially impressive for the young Dutchman. Indeed, there is a real possibility that he could become the youngest ever world champion if he can keep up his incredible performances. On the face of it, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021 should provide Verstappen with a prime opportunity to gain ground in the title race and the bookmakers have the Red Bull driver as the favourite to win the event. Yet this may not be as easy as it initially looks, and there are many factors which may prevent Verstappen from tasting victory in the desert.

One of the main issues is that the track itself is not particularly suited to Red Bull’s car, meaning that Verstappen may be at a disadvantage compared to his rivals from other teams. The tight and twisty layout of the track will make the Red Bull’s car particularly vulnerable to its weaknesses, with its lack of straight line speed giving rivals an edge on the straights. Additionally, the new, higher downforce rules for 2021 may also harm the Red Bull car, making it harder for Verstappen to challenge for the top spot. As such, any success for Verstappen at the Saudi Grand Prix is likely to be dependant on his own driving skill, rather than the performance of his car.

Furthermore, the Red Bull camp will be keenly aware of the fact that they have only won one race in Saudi Arabia since it joined the F1 calendar in 2019 – the opening race of the season back in 2021. This means that any win for Verstappen in the desert will be a huge achievement, and they may be wary of the potential for failure if too much pressure is placed on their star driver.

Nevertheless, Verstappen is an exceptional driver and has plenty of experience of the track. He was on the podium in both of his races at the Saudi Grand Prix, and is one of the few drivers to have mastered the art of going fast round the tight and twisty circuit. Additionally, the Red Bull may still be competitive on the track, provided Verstappen can make the most of its unique characteristics. With the cars being closer together thanks to the higher downforce rules and the tight and twisty layout, the Dutchman may be able to use his experience to good effect and make a charge for the podium.

Ultimately, whether or not Verstappen can win this season’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix depends on a combination of factors. His own driving skill and the performance of the Red Bull car will be key, and both are likely to have a major impact on the result. The team will also be under pressure to perform, yet if Verstappen can remain calm under pressure then there is no reason why he cannot challenge for a victory in the desert.

Pit Stop Strategy

Max Verstappen and his team will undoubtedly be considering the pit stop strategy for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix very carefully. As the track is notoriously tough on tyres due to its tight and twisty nature, the drivers will need to make sure that they do not overwork their tyres during the race. The teams must also utilise their one-stop strategies in order to gain an advantage over their rivals, as overtaking opportunities are few and far between. One stop strategies can also save time in the pits, which could be invaluable to Verstappen’s chances of victory.

The teams must also decide whether to fit the harder compound of tyres during the pitstop. This could be beneficial to Verstappen as it would give him more grip in the second half of the race, but it could also increase the risk of a puncture or a tyre failure due to the increased wear on the tyres.

Finally, the Red Bull camp will need to decide on the ideal spot and time to pit. The timing is crucial, as Verstappen must stay ahead of the competition in order to gain the extra advantage gained from a shorter pitstop. Equally, the team must decide whether to pit just before or just after the cars in front of Verstappen. This will determine how much time he has to make up after the stop, as it is likely that the cars in front of him will also be pitting. Getting this equation wrong could cost Verstappen valuable time in the race.

Ferrari and Mercedes Threat

Whilst Red Bull remains the favourite for the race, Mercedes and Ferrari will certainly provide a very real threat. Indeed, the two teams have been very competitive throughout the 2021 season, and both have had success in Saudi Arabia in the past. In 2021, the two teams battled to a thrilling finish, with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas eventually taking the honours. In 2022, it was Ferrari’s turn, with Charles Leclerc beating Bottas in a closely fought battle.

Mercedes and Ferrari have both made gains in recent months, with their cars finding more outright pace thanks to some aerodynamic changes. They also have two of the world’s best drivers, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both capable of pushing Verstappen all the way. As such, the Dutchman cannot afford to rest on his laurels if he is to take the chequred flag ahead of his rivals.

Equally, Mercedes and Ferrari will be under pressure to make the most of their potential and challenge for victory. Both teams have been off the pace at times during 2021, allowing Red Bull to gain an advantage. They will be eager to close the gap in the constructors’ championship, and a victory in Saudi Arabia would be the perfect start.

Weather and Track Conditions

The track conditions and the weather in Saudi Arabia can also have a major impact on the outcome of the race. The track is notoriously slippery and tends to favour the cars with higher downforce, such as Red Bull and Mercedes. Additionally, the hot conditions can take their toll on both the drivers and the machines, with temperatures occasionally reaching as high as 46 degrees Celsius.

The teams must also consider the prevailing wind in the desert, as this can have a significant effect on the cars. Sudden gusts of wind can catch the drivers off guard and cause an accident, whilst the strong, swirling winds can also make it difficult to overtake on the exposed straights. This could be an issue for Verstappen as the Red Bull is not the strongest car when it comes to overtaking, and he may struggle to find a way past his rivals.

Finally, teams must also consider the dust which can accumulate on the track due to the desert environment. This can be particularly problematic in Bahrain and Dubai, as the particles can stick to the tyres and cause a loss of grip. Furthermore, the loose dust can sometimes blind the drivers, making it hard for them to see the apex and find the quickest way through the corners.

Stakes and Pressure

An added pressure for Verstappen and his team is that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is an important race in the title race and a win could prove decisive. Indeed, a victory in Saudi Arabia may be the difference between the Dutchman lifting the championship trophy or not, and the Red Bull camp will surely be aware of this in the lead up to the race.

Verstappen will be eager to prove his credentials as a champion and put on a show for the fans in Saudi Arabia. With the world watching, the Dutchman will be keen to put on a display of excellence in order to demonstrate why he is so highly rated, and a win would certainly do that.

Furthermore, Red Bull will be keen to prove their superiority against the rival teams from Mercedes and Ferrari and a victory in Saudi Arabia would be the perfect way to send a message that they are the best team in F1. With this in mind, Verstappen will be under pressure to perform, however he will be determined to rise to the challenge and prove his worth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Max Verstappen will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Saudi Grand Prix. His stunning performances this season have demonstrated that he has the potential to be a future world champion, and a victory in the desert would be the perfect way to prove it. Nevertheless, Verstappen will have to contend with a challenging track, weather conditions, the rival teams, and the pressure of the title race, and it will be fascinating to see how he reacts to the challenge.

Jose Richard

Jose M. Richard is a journalist and author based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Jose has written extensively on Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region. Jose is passionate about promoting understanding of the region and its people, and his work has been recognised with international awards.

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