The incredibly fast and high-speed Jeddah Circuit will host the second stage of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, right after the Bahrain Grand Prix, which opens the season.
The Jeddah circuit differs greatly from the Sakhir Circuit, home of the SaudiGP. With its walls and blind corners, it presents a unique challenge for drivers as they reach maximum speeds of over 250 km per hour, making it the fastest street circuit of all.
In his column on Unibet before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Hakkinen expressed his thoughts: “As someone who prefers to push the limits, I find the Jeddah circuit exciting. It’s all about pushing to the max, reaching top speeds of around 330 km/h.”
However, Hakkinen also highlighted the potential risks that come with such speed: “Speed always comes with a certain level of risk, and increased risk means accidents can occur and cars can suffer failures.” As a former Formula 1 driver with 20 Grand Prix wins, Hakkinen knows firsthand the dangers of the sport.
The experienced Finn further commented: “Based on the history of previous Grands Prix held at this circuit, it is almost certain that we will see the entry of the Safety Car. In fact, we have already witnessed two red flags in previous years, so we should be prepared for incidents, accidents, and unexpected events.”
Hakkinen emphasized that teams are well aware of these risks and plan accordingly: “Teams not only simulate the perfect race, but also prepare for potential incidents, such as safety car periods, bad pit stops, and the consequences of any damage suffered during the race.”
Mika Hakkinen won his two Formula 1 championships while driving for McLaren, with a Mercedes engine. Based on his insider knowledge, he goes against popular opinion and predicts a stronger performance from Mercedes in Jeddah.
He explained: “Mercedes faced some challenges in Bahrain due to the need for increased cooling in their cars, which also affected the Williams cars with Mercedes engines. The freezing temperatures in the desert posed additional difficulties. This suggests the German manufacturer still has work to do.”
When it comes to Lewis Hamilton’s last year with Mercedes, Hakkinen shared his thoughts: “Lewis secured pole position and won the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021. Although Red Bull is expected to stay ahead, keep an eye on Mercedes as they unlock more race pace and challenge Ferrari.”
Hakkinen also brought some positive news for Hamilton and his teammate George Russell: “Their new car is much more predictable to drive, representing a significant breakthrough after the disappointments of the last two years.” These words will be put to the test starting from FP1 in Jeddah.
During the qualifying for the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, Mick Schumacher suffered a high-intensity accident with a force of 33G (photo at the top). After making it through Q1, Schumacher was on a fast lap in Q2 when he hit the kerbs at Turn 10, crashing into the wall and sliding across the track before coming to a stop.
As a precaution, Schumacher was airlifted to the local hospital for examinations. His team later confirmed that he would not be able to start the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to the extensive damage suffered by his Haas VF-22 in the accident.
2024
The football star Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United. After 12 years, the Portuguese player returns to the club that propelled him to stardom. The news was announced today by the player himself, who expressed his excitement at wearing the Red Devils’ shirt again.
Ronaldo, 36, has signed a two-year contract with Manchester United, with the option of extending for another year. The transfer was completed after intense negotiations between the English club and Juventus, the Italian team where the player had been since 2018.
Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United is a milestone in the club’s history. The player had a successful spell with the team between 2003 and 2009, winning several titles, including three Premier League championships and a UEFA Champions League. His skill and talent have made him one of the greatest football players in the world.
The news of Ronaldo’s return has caused great excitement among Manchester United fans. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and enthusiasm for the star’s arrival. The expectation is that his presence in the team will bring a significant boost to the squad, which is aiming to reclaim its prominent position in European football.
With the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United shows its ambition to once again become one of the top clubs in the world. The arrival of the player, along with other recent reinforcements, strengthens the team and raises expectations for the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see the idol back on the field and anticipate great achievements with his presence at the club.
