Saudi Arabian GP F1 2023 Race Review

Spanners and Trumpets are joined by Formula 1 Tik Tok star Antonia Rankin and Danish TV journo Kristian Pedersen as they deploy all the Safety Cars in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. From Perez’ precision to Max’s move up the grid, from Russell’s relentless radio to Ferrari’s fallibility, no fragile gearbox goes unreplaced in this, the latest episode of Missed Apex Podcast. 

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**Missed Apex Podcast: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Review**

* **Race Recap:**

* Max Verstappen, starting from P15 due to a drive shaft issue in qualifying, staged a remarkable comeback to finish in second place, just behind his teammate Sergio Perez.
* Perez controlled the race from the start, leading every lap until the safety car came out late in the race. Verstappen was able to close the gap to Perez during the safety car period, but Perez held on to win the race.
* Ferrari had a disappointing race, with Carlos Sainz finishing in eighth place and Charles Leclerc retiring due to an engine failure.
* Mercedes showed signs of improvement, with George Russell finishing in fifth place and Lewis Hamilton finishing in tenth place.

* **Key Talking Points:**

* Verstappen's drive from P15 to P2 was one of the most impressive performances of his career.
* Perez's win was his first since the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix and his first for Red Bull.
* Ferrari's struggles continued, with the team now facing a significant gap to Red Bull in the constructors' championship.
* Mercedes took a step forward, but still has work to do to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.

* **Controversies and Insights:**

* There was some debate about whether Verstappen's win was earned or gifted, with some arguing that he benefited from the safety car and others arguing that he would have won the race regardless.
* Red Bull's team orders strategy came under scrutiny, with some questioning whether the team should have given Verstappen a clear advantage over Perez.
* Ferrari's engine failure with Leclerc raised concerns about the team's reliability, which could be a major issue in the championship fight.

* **Overall Takeaway:**

* The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a thrilling race that provided plenty of excitement and drama. Red Bull continued to show its dominance, while Ferrari and Mercedes both had disappointing weekends. Verstappen's win was a reminder of his immense talent, while Perez's victory was a well-deserved reward for his hard work and dedication. # Missed Apex Podcast Episode 475 Transcript Summary

**Introduction**

- Spanners, Trumpets, Antonia Rankin, and Kristian Pedersen discuss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
- The Safety Cars are deployed throughout the race, affecting the strategies of various teams.

**Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team**

- George Russell's impressive performance, qualifying ahead of Lewis Hamilton and finishing P3.
- Hamilton's struggles in qualifying and the race, including a strategic error with tire management.
- Russell's potential to become a more assertive teammate, similar to Nico Rosberg's rivalry with Hamilton.
- The ongoing debate within Mercedes regarding driver preferences and team dynamics.
- Concerns about Hamilton's unhappiness with the team's decisions, potentially affecting his motivation.

**Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team**

- Aston Martin's strong performance, with Lance Stroll delivering an impressive overtake on Carlos Sainz.
- The team's potential to challenge for second place in the constructors' championship.
- Stroll's resilience and determination despite his recent wrist injury.
- High expectations for Aston Martin's progress and upgrades throughout the season.

**Scuderia Ferrari**

- Ferrari's overall lackluster performance in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
- Charles Leclerc's struggles with tire degradation and strategic errors.
- Carlos Sainz's disappointing race, finishing outside the points.
- The team's need to address their issues and improve their competitiveness.

**Alpine F1 Team**

- Fernando Alonso's impressive podium finish, showcasing his continued talent and fighting spirit.
- Esteban Ocon's penalty for a pit lane infringement, costing him a potential podium position.
- Alonso's resurgence and rejuvenation in Formula One, despite his age and previous career decisions.

**Other Notable Moments**

- Sergio Perez's precise driving and move up the grid, securing a P4 finish for Red Bull Racing.
- Max Verstappen's strategic tire management, allowing him to maintain a strong position throughout the race.
- Russell's relentless radio communication, expressing his concerns and frustrations during the race.

**Overall Message**

- The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix provided exciting racing and strategic battles, with unexpected results and ongoing storylines.
- The season is poised for intense competition among the top teams, with Aston Martin emerging as a potential challenger.
- The performances of Russell and Alonso highlight the importance of driver talent and determination in Formula One. ## 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

**Missed Apex F1 Podcast Episode Transcript: Spanners, Antonia Rankin, and Kristian Pedersen**

**Summary**

- Spanners, Antonia Rankin, and Kristian Pedersen discuss the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
- Sergio Perez's precise driving and Max Verstappen's move up the grid are praised.
- George Russell's relentless radio communication and Ferrari's fallibility are also discussed.
- The safety car deployment is criticized for being too quick and unnecessary, potentially affecting the flow of the race.
- Charles Leclerc's frustration with his team's communication is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of clear and timely information for drivers.
- The etiquette and importance of providing drivers with essential information are debated, with different perspectives presented.
- The McLaren team's disappointing performance is mentioned, along with Oscar Piastri's learning experience in a racing incident with Pierre Gasly.
- The question of whose fault it was in the incident between Piastri and Gasly is raised, with varying opinions among the speakers.
- The ongoing trend of trigger-happy safety car deployments is criticized, with concerns about the impact on the entertainment value of the race.
- The FIA's decision to deploy the safety car is defended, considering the standardized procedures and potential safety concerns.
- The presence of a recovery vehicle parked in an escape road, affecting its usability, is questioned.
- The new race controller, Niels Wittich, and his focus on different rules and penalties are discussed.
- The issue of weaving and its interpretation in the context of defensive moves is debated, with suggestions for clarification in the regulations.
- The difference between preventative and defensive moves is raised, considering the impact on the driver behind.
- The potential impact of limiting defensive moves on DRS passes is mentioned.

**Overall**

The podcast provides an engaging and informative discussion about the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, covering various aspects of the race, including driver performances, team strategies, controversial incidents, and rule interpretations. The speakers offer diverse perspectives and insights, making the podcast an interesting listen for Formula One fans. # Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Race Review

**Thing of the Weekend**

* Lance Stroll's move around Carlos Sainz on lap one.

* Mercedes putting color tabs on the top of their halo.

* Logan Sargent's qualifying lap in Q1.

* Sergio Perez's performance and comments about being a world champion.

**Miss the Apex Award**

* The dangerous nature of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

* The lack of overtaking opportunities.

* The performance of Valtteri Bottas.

**Other Notable Moments**

* Kevin Magnussen's overtake on Valtteri Bottas.

* The retirement of Fernando Alonso.

* The safety car periods.

* The battle for the lead between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

**Overall**

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a thrilling race with plenty of action and drama. However, the dangerous nature of the circuit and the lack of overtaking opportunities were major concerns. The race was ultimately won by Max Verstappen, with Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz completing the podium.