Why Sainz Needs To Win More Than Verstappen + 5 Things To Watch For - 2022 Saudi Arabian GP Preview

Was Ferrari's form in Bahrain track-specific? Or do they genuinely have a quick car across all circuits? We'll know soon as Formula 1 races in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

And if the Ferrari is genuinely quick, Carlos Sainz Jr. needs to win the 2022 Saudi Arabian GP more than any other driver including Max Verstappen. Why, you wonder? 

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil (who's audio source changed unexpectedly!) and Kunal look forward to the 2022 Saudi Arabian GP and discuss why Sainz needs to win more than any other driver this weekend.

A lot of questions still remain unanswered for the 2022 Formula 1 season and we put forward some of ours in this episode. Has Mercedes found an answer to their troubles? Will Red Bull Racing reveal what dogged their cars in Bahrain? How soon before we see a three-way battle at the front? Will Mclaren & Aston Martin continue to struggle? And of course, will Alfa Romeo & Haas continue to shine? Will Mick Schumacher rise up to the Kevin Magnussen challenge? 

There's a lot more in this power-packed ~20 mins long episode. Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 15)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Ferrari

# Inside Line F1 Podcast: Saudi Arabian GP Preview and Analysis

## Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, hosts Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah delve into the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, discussing various aspects of the race and the current Formula One season. They provide insightful analysis, raise important questions, and share their predictions for the weekend's events.

## Key Points and Highlights:

* **Ferrari's Form and Carlos Sainz's Opportunity:**

- Ferrari's strong performance in Bahrain raises questions about whether their form is track-specific or a genuine indication of a quick car across all circuits.
- Carlos Sainz needs to win the Saudi Arabian GP more than any other driver to establish himself as the leading driver in the Ferrari team.

* **Pecking Order and Team Dynamics:**

- The pecking order among the top teams remains uncertain, with Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all vying for supremacy.
- Sainz needs to prove his worth and challenge Charles Leclerc's position as the lead Ferrari driver.
- The midfield battle is also unpredictable, with teams like Aston Martin, Alpine, and McLaren aiming to improve their positions.

* **Circuit Characteristics and Racing Potential:**

- The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with its 27 corners and high-speed sections, poses a unique challenge for drivers and teams.
- The ability of cars to follow each other closely will be a crucial factor in determining the quality of racing.
- Visual differences in car speeds compared to last year's race are expected due to the new regulations.

* **Red Bull's Struggles and Potential Response:**

- Red Bull's issues in Bahrain, including reliability problems, need to be addressed to challenge Ferrari effectively.
- The team may need to take more gambles and push harder to regain their competitive edge.

* **Mercedes' Position and Chances of Recovery:**

- Mercedes' struggles in Bahrain raise questions about their ability to compete with Ferrari and Red Bull.
- The team's rear wing package upgrades aim to improve their performance.
- Can Mercedes close the gap and make it a three-way battle at the front?

* **Regular Teams' Performance and Uncertainties:**

- Teams like McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Alpine, and Aston Martin face challenges in establishing their positions in the pecking order.
- Haas and Mick Schumacher's progress will be closely watched, especially in relation to Kevin Magnussen's strong return.

* **Ethical Considerations and Racing in Saudi Arabia:**

- The ongoing debate about Formula One's presence in Saudi Arabia due to the country's human rights record is discussed.
- Drivers' stances on the issue, particularly Lewis Hamilton's, are mentioned.

## Predictions:

- Kunal Shah predicts a Carlos Sainz win and a Max Verstappen pole position.
- Soumil Arora also predicts a Verstappen pole and a Verstappen win, with Sainz finishing ahead of Leclerc.

## Conclusion:

The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to subscribe to the podcast and join the hosts for a post-qualifying analysis episode.