Rowdy Arabia + 5 things to watch - 2023 Saudi Arabian GP Preview

Just how rowdy can it get if the Jeddah Corniche Circuit delivers a Max Verstappen vs. Charles Leclerc...with a Fernando Alonso thrown in?

And of course, let's hope that there are no missile strikes!

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru and Kunal preview the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. While Ferrari and Mercedes will be fending off rumours and other media speculation, we expect Red Bull Racing-Verstappen to run away with some heavy points.

After Bahrain, George Russell (and others) kept stressing that Bahrain was 'an outlier'. If that's the case, will Red Bull Racing be challenged whatosever? And if so, who will the challenge come from?

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 10)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Aston Martin Formula One Team

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Preview

## Episode Summary:

The Inside Line F1 Podcast team of Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswamy, and Kunal Shah preview the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a race known for its speed and captivating nature.

### Key Talking Points:

- **Red Bull Racing Dominance:**
- The team's impressive performance in Bahrain has raised questions about their potential dominance in the early part of the season.
- With other teams still struggling with setups and reliability, Red Bull and Max Verstappen are expected to extend their lead.

- **Mercedes and Ferrari's Struggles:**
- Mercedes is facing criticism for its W14 concept and is under pressure to improve its performance.
- Ferrari is also dealing with issues, including a restructuring of its engineering team and Charles Leclerc's potential grid penalty.

- **Aston Martin's Chances:**
- The team has shown pace in the early races, but questions remain about their ability to challenge for podiums or wins.
- Fernando Alonso's performance will be closely watched as he aims to make an impact in the midfield battle.

- **Safety Concerns:**
- The podcast addresses the missile attack near the circuit last year and questions whether adequate safety measures have been taken.
- The possibility of drivers expressing concerns about their safety is discussed, given the political and human rights issues surrounding the race.

- **Qualifying and Race Predictions:**
- The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is known for its fast and flowing layout, making qualifying a spectacle.
- The podcast makes bold predictions, including Sergio Perez taking pole position and Logan Sargent scoring his first points.

### Notable Quotes:

- "It's going to be their [Red Bull Racing] 350th race start in Formula 1. That's how old the team is." - Sundaram Ramaswamy

- "All it took was one race for Mercedes to release a letter to the fans saying, 'Oh my god, we need you. Cheer us to the front.'" - Kunal Shah

- "Will the media, accredited media, be actually allowed to ask the drivers if they feel safe in Jeddah?" - Soumil Arora

- "It's a tough, tough circuit, this one." - Kunal Shah

- "I think, and not so much of Piastri, but McLaren, I think they will continue to struggle, right?" - Soumil Arora

### Overall Message:

The podcast provides an insightful preview of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, analyzing the key storylines, challenges, and potential outcomes. It highlights the dominance of Red Bull Racing, the struggles of Mercedes and Ferrari, and the opportunities for Aston Martin and other midfield teams. The episode also raises important questions about safety and the ethical implications of holding a race in a country with a poor human rights record.