Why is Qualifying So Important at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
- by Dr. AK Rana
Hello guys, how are you all doing? Excited as we head into the third week of the triple-header – the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!
Now, forget the race for a second (yes, that will be epic too), because before that comes Saturday – and Saturdays mean one thing: Qualifying.
And when it’s Qualifying in Jeddah, it’s not just about who’s fastest – it’s about who’s bravest.
This track has a history of drama.
Remember Max Verstappen’s blistering 2021 lap that ended in heartbreak at the final corner? That’s just one example.
Jeddah punishes even the tiniest mistake, and this year, the margins are even tighter.
The 2025 cars are rapid, the grid is closer than ever, and milliseconds matter. One misstep – just like what happened with rookie Isack Hadjar – and your rivals are ready to pounce.
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Being fast isn’t enough anymore; you have to be flawless.
We’ve already seen it this season – pole position often means race victory. So, buckle up: Saturday could be even more crucial than Sunday.
Jeddah Street Circuit – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Length: 6.174 km (3.836 miles)
Corners: 27 (tight, fast, and unforgiving)
Laps: 50
Race Distance: 308.45 km (191.72 miles)
Lap Record: 1:30.734 – Lewis Hamilton (2021)
Key Sections & Crash Risks – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!
1. Turns 1-3 (Opening Complex):
Heavy braking into Turn 1, followed by a fast left-right. Drivers must manage load transfer and nail the braking.
Crash Risk: Understeer and dive-bombs often lead to early collisions.
2. Turns 4-5 (The Chicane):
Quick flick – tight and technical. Easy to overcook.
Crash Risk: Grip loss and late braking can ruin laps.
3. Turns 7-8 (Double Right):
Tough balance – not great for overtaking, but prime for driver errors.
Crash Risk: Contact possible when battling side-by-side.
4. Turns 13-14 (High-Speed Sweep):
Flat out with bravery. Good slipstream zone into DRS.
Crash Risk: Push too hard, and you’ll spin or worse.
5. Turns 20-21 (Tight Right):
High-speed into tight corner – front tires screaming.
Crash Risk: Spins and barrier kisses are common here.
6. Turns 22-23 (Sharp Lefts):
Perfect for late-brake overtakes if you’re bold.
Crash Risk: Walls are close. Judgment matters.
7. Turn 27 (Final Corner):
Where Verstappen’s 2021 lap ended. Precision here is everything.
Crash Risk: One slip = ruined lap.
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Prime Overtaking Zones
Turn 1: Classic straight + slipstream + DRS = overtaking gold.
Turn 13-14: High-speed DRS attack zone.
Turn 22-23: Risky but rewarding if executed right.
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Notable Crash History
2024
Lance Stroll: Crashed Turn 22, heavy shunt at 23 (Lap 7).
Zhou Guanyu: FP3 crash at Turn 8 – red flag.
2022
Mick Schumacher: Heavy crash in Q2 (Turn 11) – missed race.
Nicholas Latifi: Q1 crash at Turn 13 – red flag.
2021
Max Verstappen: Crashed at Turn 27 in Q3 – pole lap gone.
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Pole Prediction: Who Takes It? – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!
Now the question remains who will win the pole this time?
The safe bet?
McLaren.
And if we go one step further, Oscar Piastri – the Aussie has been on fire.
But as we’ve seen, even a single mistake can flip the script. Japan saw Oscar blink.
Bahrain saw Lando’s chance slip.
And in Suzuka?
Max pulled off a wonder.
So maybe, just maybe, this will be a weekend where someone else brings the surprise.
Let’s wait and watch.
Stay tuned with HalleysClinic.com
Drop your predictions in the comments!
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