6 memorable moments from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2022
The race weekend was an absolute cracker…
Three days of incredible on- and off-track entertainment, the second edition of the 2022 Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit sure was one to remember.
Here, we take you through six memorable moments from the epic race weekend.
1. Verstappen won an epic battle over Leclerc
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It was an electrifying race in Jeddah as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc battled for the win, pushing each other right to the end in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, it was the reigning world champion who emerged victorious. Verstappen overtook Leclerc’s Ferrari three laps from the finish line for his first win of the F1 season and the 21st of his career in a night of high drama.
2. Racing on F1’s newest and fastest street circuit
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The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the second-longest track in the current Formula 1 racing calendar after Spa-Francorchamps. With 27 turns and a staggering average speed of 252.8km/h, the track is also one of the most challenging and fastest. Its idyllic location on Jeddah’s waterfront and its extraordinary design offer spectators of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix spectacular races in front of a breath-taking panorama.
3. Sergio Perez secures first F1 pole position
The pole lap of a lifetime for the mighty @SChecoPerez ?#SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/tbRKzckotu
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 26, 2022
The Mexican waited 11 years for his first Formula One pole position, and it finally came in the third qualifying session on Saturday (March 26) when he produced the lap of his life to take the top slot for Red Bull in what was his 215th Grand Prix start. Sergio Perez posted a time of one minute and 28.200 seconds on soft tyres around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. He’s also the first Mexican to take a pole position in Formula One.
4. The event demonstrates Saudi heritage and culture
المشاركون وضيوف السباق والجماهير يستمتعون بتجربة ثقافية تعبّر عن مظاهر الكرم والضيافة السعودية الأصيلة؛ ضمن الأنشطة المقامة من قِبل #وزارة_الثقافة في سباق فورملا 1#عام_القهوة_السعودية_2022 #فورمولا1_في_السعودية pic.twitter.com/wDl4Phrbfr
— وزارة الثقافة (@MOCSaudi) March 27, 2022
Walk around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and you’d notice the strategically placed individual markers through which guests learn about the culture of Saudi Arabia. For instance, Saudi folk dances and traditional crafts were displayed on the screens, and ad campaigns featuring the Kingdom’s most prominent cities and regions – such as AlUla, Farasan Island and Al Soudah – were in place to promote Saudi tourism to attract visitors.
The branding for Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was also characterised by Arabic calligraphy and integrated with the English language to highlight drivers’ names, places in the Media Island area, and the Paddock Club area. There were musicians playing classical Arabic musical instruments like the oud and qanun.
One of the most prominent booths at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix village is the Year of Saudi Coffee booth, where you could find the finest types of coffee beans and different blends and spices from all regions of the Kingdom. Young Saudi men and women manning the booth were also clad in Saudi cultural costumes. All these elements played a part in helping foreign visitors learn and understand Saudi culture.
5. Exclusive hospitality in the Formula 1 Paddock Club
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For the ultimate Grand Prix experience, the Paddock Club in the Pit & Team Building overlooking the magnificent Red Sea coastline is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the race weekend in style. The Paddock Club is the pinnacle of Formula 1 hospitality, offering guests exclusive entry to its luxurious area, with world-class service and an exceptional gourmet culinary experience – plus VIP access to the heart of the F1 action.
It is arranged over two levels above the team garages and pit lane to provide a more advantageous viewing position. On one side, you can look down onto the pit lane and starting grid, and on the other is an incredible view of the Jeddah waterfront on the horizon. You’d witness all the last-minute preparations, culminating in the excitement of the race. As well as inclusive food and drink, Paddock Club guests also enjoy daily pit lane walks, F1 driver appearances and other exclusive benefits.
6. An amazing concert experience
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The after-race concerts – curated by MDLBeast – were an incredible end to another successful staging of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Guests were treated to a series of unforgettable shows at the circuit’s Main Stage featuring global superstars, including Wiz Khalifa, DJ Axwell and Egyptian megastar Mohamed Ramadan, who took to the stage on Saturday (March 26). Meanwhile, The Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown and DJ R3HAB put on electrifying performances in front of a packed crowd in Jeddah to mark the end of the Grand Prix on Sunday night (March 27).
Chart-topping performers aside, another highlight of the concert is the VIP seats – accessible only to Paddock Club and premium hospitality ticket holders – with a lavish buffet and its own ice cream and popcorn stand. General admission ticket holders also had plenty of options for food and drinks within the Main Stage area and a free shuttle service to assist concert-goers with a stress-free night out of the venue.