FORMULA 1, SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX : MAX AND RED BULL PREVAILED AGAINST LECLERC AND FERRARI!!!

 

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix provided us with a what was nothing short of a thrilling second race of the 2021 Formula 1 Season. 

Resulting in Max Verstappen, after another, but more adrenalised Abu Dhabiesque 2021 finish, with none other than the now somewhat infamous Lathifi bringing out the Safety Car, by losing it and embracing the fearsome barrier along the circuit. 

Prevailing over Charles Leclerc to take the victory which he might have secured in the first race of the 2022 Formula 1 Season, had his care not lost power and failed to finish.

The repeated 'neck to neck' battling between Verstappen and Leclerc was nothing short of being very intense and foretelling of major mishap, were either or both racers to make a mistake, as neither gave the other any but the optimum room to manoeuvre. 

Indeed, this was truly an extreme version of the near nerve racking wheel to wheel racing we saw Max and Hamilton deploying during the 2021 Formula 1 season. 

Except that it now appears to be, if not already, the 'normalised' and expected way of racing during the current season. 

And one which the audience is likely to relish; at least until such time as two battling cars unintentionally embrace one another. something which is likely to occur at some point.

But for now, A Very Big Congratulations to Max Verstappen and Team Red Bull, for making it to P.1, and to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and Team Ferrari, for battling their way to P.2, and P.3. 

With the four Team Red Bull and Team Ferrari drivers commanding the top 4 positions, there was no room at the front for the 2021 season's dominant Team, Mercedes.  

With George Russell putting in a spirited P.5, and Lewis Hamilton, having had the disadvantage of a dismal P.15 during qualifying, finishing at P.10.

So, what are some of the conclusions that we could or should draw from what we have witnessed during the first and second races of the 2022 Formula 1 season? Well, based on what I have seen, the following are likely to transpire.

1. That the season, even more that we had seen in 2021, likely to result in a much more competitive and tightly fought Championship battle between more than the usual championship rivals of Teams Red Bull and Mercedes. 

This is so with Team Ferrari having already drawn their proverbial line on the racing circuit, and with other teams lower down the line coming into contention.

2.  We will be seeing more 'wheel to wheel', nearly 'no holds barred' high octane battles between racers at all levels during races.

3.  Because of the increased competitive nature of the this season, we are likely to have more than the usual number of spectacular car on car crashes.

4.  Team Mercedes will resume their competitive status by the 4th race of the season.

5.   Lewis Hamilton has appeared to have lost a significant amount of his motivation and commitment to increase his achievements as a Formula 1 racer. 

He might not be willing and/or able to equip himself with the new pugnacious, hungry to win, keep your head down and keep pushing, racing driver mind-set or modus operandi which is needed to succeed in the 2022 season. 

As such, it is very likely that Hamilton will give up his tenure-ship of Car 44 at the end of the this season.

For now, however, a Big Thank You to all the racers who participated in this grand prix and provided us with thrilling entertainment at significant risk to yourselves. We appreciate you, as we look forward to round three in the Australian Grand Prix.