The forces present
Red Bull didn't take long to mark its territory.
With a Verstappen-Perez double at the start of the season in Bahrain, the world champions have clearly demonstrated that they are the favorites for their own succession.
Bad news for the competition, the urban layout of Jeddah is well suited to the qualities of the Red Bull.
The clan of Milton Keynes had won last year by signing the double after the inaugural victory of Lewis Hamilton in the first grand prix in history in Saudi Arabia.
Helmut Marko sounded the alarm bells this week in the German media when he claimed that his team's lead was destined "to melt away" because of the sanctions imposed on Red Bull for exceeding the budget ceiling (with a reduction imposed by aerodynamic development), Ferrari and Mercedes, or even Aston Martin will have to hit very hard to get the Dutch and Mexican duo at the top of the grid.
At Ferrari, the week was agitated by rumors, in the transalpine media, of tensions within the team, in particular because Frédéric Vasseur would not have full latitude at the head of the team.
The French strongly denied in Auto Hebdo but the Scuderia must raise the bar in Jeddah after the abandonment of Charles Leclerc in Bahrain.
Same observation at Alpine under pressure after the poor start on the Sakhir circuit.
The rise of Gasly (9th) does not erase the nightmare experienced by Esteban Ocon forced to retire after having three rule violations.
A reaction is expected to prove that the arrowed A is capable of fighting for 4th place behind the unstoppable trio.
Read alsoThe driver classification
Read alsoManufacturers ranking
The Jeddah circuit
Corniche Circuit, Jeddah Formula One
The last two winners
2021: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Statistic: 1
It was in Jeddah that Sergio Pérez signed his first but also last pole position in Formula 1 last year.
A performance that did not smile on him since he finished 4th in the race.
The weekend program
Friday 2
:30-3:30 p.m.: free practice 1 (Canal+ Sport)
6:00-7:00 p.m.: free practice 2 (Canal+ Sport)
Saturday 2
:30-3:30 p.m.: free practice 3 (Canal+)
6:00-7:00 p.m.: qualifying (Canal+)
Sunday
6:00 p.m.: start of the Grand Prix (50 laps of 6.174 km, i.e. 308.45 km).