Formula 1 2024 Season: Jeddah Grand Prix

The most recent race weekend was in Jeddah. This circuit debuted in 2021 and was pretty crazy. Lots of high-speed corners, most of which were notably blind. This meant that riding on-board with the drivers provided no view of the corners ahead and made for spectacular viewing. Aside from the myriads of safety concerns, the track was pretty cool, and I was certainly a fan. Aside from where it was based, of course. I’m fairly certain there were some missiles or armed explosives being fired off in the distance during the Grand Prix.

Focusing on the 2024 race, the results were predictably predictable. Our top 2 finishers were Max Verstappen claiming 1st, and Sergio Perez claiming second. So far so good for the Red Bull team (aside from the internal capitulation) as they look right on track to claim yet another championship lockout.

Third place was Charles Leclerc, finding himself in a similar situation to that of Alonso last year. Ferrari were faster than Aston Martin, Mercedes Benz and McLaren, but not fast enough to challenge Red Bull. So third place was as good as Charles could get. By this point, if you didn’t watch the race, you might be wondering where his buddy Carlos Sainz is. After all, he beat Charles last race. Unfortunately for Carlos, he had appendicitis and had to have surgery. He was replaced by Oliver Bearman this race, a young F2 driver filling in for this weekend. He did well, debuting and finishing in 7th place. 

Fourth was Oscar Piastri. He did well at the start, overtaking Alonso and defending when Alonso was on the attack. During the hard tyre stint, he had pace over Alonso, and was a safe P4. He was also kept behind Hamilton for the best part of a year. In P5 was Alonso, starting 4th and ending one place below. Not bad, considering last weekend. I was worried that Aston had truly fumbled this year, and while I do still gently hold that opinion, it’s not a total disaster. The Aston was able to keep pace with the Mercedes and McLaren, so they’ve figured something out in relation to race pace. 

The rest of the field finished behind them. I can’t be bothered to talk more about them as my fingers are a bit sore. I got this new Apple Magic Keyboard for my iPad and it’s amazing, but it is only an 11-inch screen. Lots of fun to use, but I am not sure I will be writing many articles and posts on it just yet. The keyboard is tactile and a lot of fun though. Also, this isn’t sponsored but it should be. Come on Apple.