Formula 1 drivers want changes to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to lessen its dangers after the first race weekend on the track was marred by incidents.
Dieter Rencken's articles on RaceFans
Dieter Rencken has held full FIA Formula 1 media accreditation since 2000, during which period he has reported from over 300 grands prix, plus other categories such as World Rally Championship, MotoGP, World Endurance Championship, World RallyCross Championship and Formula E for a variety of media outlets. He joined racefans.net as special contributor in 2018. Dieter is recognised as an authority on global motorsport politics and economics. He writes the annual 'What F1 Teams Spend' and F1 earnings guides and his weekly columns provide behind-the-scenes analysis of the sport. In 2012 he first unpicked F1’s previously opaque financial and governance structures, and has been credited with bringing much-needed transparency to F1. He has 'scooped' several of the sport’s biggest news stories, including the Aston Martin/Red Bull Valkyrie project, Haas F1’s formation, Carlos Sainz Jnr's shock move to Toro Rosso, Fernando Alonso’s Daytona and Dakar entries, and, more recently, Canadian Lawrence Stroll’s acquisition of Force India (Racing Point) and his subsequent take-over of Aston Martin.
Nothing unusual about restart ‘deal’ conversation with Red Bull – Masi
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onFIA Formula 1 race director Michael Masi insisted his conversation with the Red Bull team during the second red flag period in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was not out of the ordinary.
Meet the candidates for FIA president – Graham Stoker
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Posted onWho is Graham Stoker, one of the two men up for this month’s FIA Presidential election? In the first of a series of articles, we analyse the candidate’s credentials.
Paddock Diary: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix part two
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onFIA president Jean Todt visited Jeddah for the final grand prix before he steps down and the contest to elect his successor is expected to be close.
Hamilton set fastest lap despite losing ‘four tenths’ with wing damage
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onLewis Hamilton scored the bonus point for fastest lap in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite losing four tenths of a second per lap with a damaged front wing.
F1 “missed Charlie Whiting” today says Horner after chaotic race
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Posted onRed Bull team principal Christian Horner made his view of FIA Formula 1 race director Michael Masi clear after a series of controversial incidents and stewards’ decisions in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Hamilton texted Mazepin to apologise for near-miss in practice
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Posted onNikita Mazepin said he is glad Lewis Hamilton faced no penalty for the incident between the pair in third practice after the pair swapped messages.
Verstappen was quick enough to take pole by half a second – Wolff
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Posted onToto Wolff says Mercedes were lucky to take pole for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, believing Max Verstappen would have beaten them by half a second.
Verstappen expected to avoid gearbox change and penalty
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Posted onMax Verstappen is expected to avoid a five-place grid penalty as Red Bull do not believe his gearbox needs to be replaced.
Perez fears ‘big shunt’ in first race on ‘very dangerous’ Jeddah track
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onSergio Perez says Formula 1 drivers are concerned about the dangers presented by the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which will hold its first F1 race today.
Verstappen: Fighting for win “definitely not impossible” from third after crash
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onMax Verstappen says he is “extremely disappointed” after making a mistake in the final corner of his final qualifying lap, throwing away a potential pole.
F1 set for season-opening sprint race in 2022 with more points on offer
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Posted onThe 2022 Formula 1 season will open with the first of six sprint events, which are expected to reward more drivers with points.
Paddock Diary: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix part one
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Posted onJust how fine did the organisers cut it with completion of the new Jeddah Corniche Circuit? Here’s the view from the paddock at the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Alpine “missed our targets” with 2021 aerodynamic package
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onAlpine executive director Marcin Budkowski admits the team missed its aerodynamic targets for its 2021 car but denies that’s the reason it failed to break into the top four this year.
Drivers praise “hardcore” Jeddah track but predict passing will be tough
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onFormula 1 drivers heaped praise on the new, high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit after their first day’s running on the track, but expect overtaking to prove difficult in Sunday’s race.
Perez’s performance in final races “vital” to Red Bull’s title hopes
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onSergio Perez, who failed to make the cut for Q3 in Qatar, is “vital” to Red Bull’s hopes of championship success this year, says team principal Christian Horner.
Alonso’s future plans key to Piastri’s hopes of F1 debut – Budkowski
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onOscar Piastri’s extension of his F2 lead in Jeddah has only increased speculation about his future, despite Alpine already confirming him as their 2022 reserve driver
Bottas: “I wouldn’t be sitting on this seat” without Sir Frank Williams
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onValtteri Bottas has paid tribute to Sir Frank Williams, crediting him as responsible for the Mercedes’ driver’s chance in Formula 1.
Hard to learn, surprisingly narrow, expect red flags: F1 drivers on new Jeddah track
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onFormula 1 drivers likened the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to Silverstone and Macau after their first real-life look at the track they will race on this weekend.
Alpine thrive in Middle East heat as AlphaTauri endure “worst performance” of 2021
2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Posted onThe battle between AlphaTauri and Alpine for fifth place in the constructors championship could be swung by the hot temperatures of the Middle East, where the final three races of the season are taking place.