Lewis Hamilton wins dramatic and controversy-filled Saudi Arabia GP to set up title showdown
Hamilton leads Verstappen home after controversy-filled race
Verstappen and Hamilton involved in numerous incidents
Pair go into the final round level on points
So we head to the final race in Abu Dhabi with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen level on points. Of course we do. After 21 races, the most thrilling championship in recent memory would just have to be decided by a dramatic, winner-takes-all shootout at the monument to excess that is the Yas Marina Circuit.
For a new generation of fans weaned on Drive to Survive, it is the ultimate season finale and Netflix's producers will be rubbing their hands with glee. Not since 1974, when Emerson Fittipaldi won the title over Clay Regazzoni at the final grand prix, has the race for the championship been tied heading to the final race. That it took one of the craziest, most confusing races in Formula 1 history to make it happen was simply consistent with the crazy, confusing season we have experienced.
To be honest, though, you can have too much of a good thing.
We knew this race in Saudi Arabia had the potential to be controversial from the moment it was announced, with plenty questioning whether Formula 1 should be racing in the country at all given the Kingdom’s human rights record. And as the grand prix approached, we knew there was the potential for on-track drama; two drivers and teams going all-out for the win on a brand-new street circuit which allowed no margin for error.
But this was another level of bonkers. It was dramatic, undeniably, but it did not in the end reflect all that well on the sport. It was out of control.
Ironically, it all began rather sedately. Despite all the predictions of chaos, with Verstappen starting from third following his last-gasp crash in qualifying on Saturday, and looking to get past the two Mercedes cars ahead of him, everyone got off to a clean start and the race soon settled into a rhythm.
For 10 laps, Hamilton expertly managed the gap to his team mate Valtteri Bottas behind him, while Verstappen never quite got to within striking range of the Finn.
That all changed when Mick Schumacher lost control at Turn 22 (flagged up beforehand as the most dangerous corner on the circuit), slamming into the Tecpro and bringing out the safety car.
While some took the opportunity to pit for fresh tyres - Hamilton and Bottas included - others did not. Red Bull appeared to take a huge gamble by keeping Verstappen out there, meaning he inherited the race lead from Hamilton but without having stopped yet.
That gamble paid off spectacularly, though, when the red flags came out on lap 13 with the marshals deciding they needed a clear track to mend the damaged barriers. It was a controversial call as it effectively meant Verstappen had a free pit stop and the race lead, and Hamilton, unsurprisingly, was nonplussed: "Why is there a red flag? The tyre wall looks fine," he remarked, before adding suspiciously: "I know the reason for the red flag."
The ‘second race start’ was not as clean as the first. Hamilton squeezed past Verstappen, and held the racing line into turn two, but the Red Bull driver refused to yield, eventually cutting the corner entirely when he ran out of road, meaning he not only took the race lead illegally but also allowed the Alpine of Esteban Ocon to nip past Hamilton as well.
As the respective teams prepared to put their arguments to the stewards, behind them chaos reigned. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez hit a wall. Williams’ George Russell, slowing to avoid a collision, was rear-ended by Haas’ Nikita Mazepin. Out came the red flag again.
This time the break in play saw some bizarre, and, frankly, farcical negotiating between race director Michael Masi and Mercedes and Red Bull, over whether Verstappen should have to give his place back, and whether that would drop him one or two places, what with Ocon now behind the Dutchman rather than Hamilton.
'That was spectacular - but not a good race'
In the end, Red Bull ‘accepted’ Masi’s offer for Verstappen to start behind Hamilton, so long as Ocon restarted from pole. It was bizarre.
Even stranger was to follow. On the third race start it was Verstappen who got off to a flier with Hamilton setting off in hot pursuit, having also managed to pass Ocon in quick order. It soon became obvious that Hamilton had the greater speed and on lap 37 he was ready to strike, diving down the outside of Verstappen into the first corner.
Again Verstappen refused to cede the corner and both cars went off track, echoing their controversial incident in Brazil last month, with Hamilton shouting over his radio: "This guy is f------ crazy, man!"
Unlike in Brazil, this time Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty and ordered to give the place back to Hamilton. But as he slowed later in the lap, on the racing line, Hamilton collided with the back of him, damaging his front wing in the process. Confusion reigned.
Hamilton eventually got his man on lap 43, winning to draw level with his young rival heading to Abu Dhabi. But the stewards may yet have their say.
It was incredible drama but Mercedes team principal Wolff perhaps summed it up best when he said: "That was spectacular but not a good race."
Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Arabia GP - as it happened
08:39 PMOkay, that's it from me today
Okay, that's it from me today
I need to have a long lie down. Maybe until the next practice session at Abu Dhabi on Friday. Thanks for joining me today and stay tuned for all the follow-up reaction, analysis and comment from the F1 season that keeps on giving.
08:29 PMChristian Horner speaks to Sky Sports F1
That was a race that was very difficult to manage. I think race control struggled with it [with the debris, VSC, restarts]. I think we feel hard done by with the five-second penalty. Max was trying to give the place up... he'd lifted off. I think Lewis has lifted off, I don't know whether he's [thinking of] the DRS line.
Lewis is slowing down behind him.. it's like he didn't want to pass him there because of the DRS. We were trying to give the place up, then Lewis drives up the back of Max's car... we've picked up a bit of damage there. Very frustrating.
08:19 PMToto Wolff speaks to Sky Sports F1
"I don't think this is yet done. I think the result at the end I think he deserved it. That was spectacular but not a good race. The telemetry shows that he's slowing down... then accelerating again and then slowing down."
Did Hamilton know that Verstappen was letting him past?
"No he didn't know. I think that was the wrong sequence of messages that came through there. I don't think that was even on Lewis's mind. I need to look at it. "
Christian Horner speaks to Sky Sports F1
That was a race that was very difficult to manage. I think race control struggled with it [with the debris, VSC, restarts]. I think we feel hard done by with the five-second penalty. Max was trying to give the place up... he'd lifted off. I think Lewis has lifted off, I don't know whether he's [thinking of] the DRS line.
Lewis is slowing down behind him.. it's like he didn't want to pass him there because of the DRS. We were trying to give the place up, then Lewis drives up the back of Max's car... we've picked up a bit of damage there. Very frustrating.
08:19 PMToto Wolff speaks to Sky Sports F1
"I don't think this is yet done. I think the result at the end I think he deserved it. That was spectacular but not a good race. The telemetry shows that he's slowing down... then accelerating again and then slowing down."
Did Hamilton know that Verstappen was letting him past?
"No he didn't know. I think that was the wrong sequence of messages that came through there. I don't think that was even on Lewis's mind. I need to look at it. "
Toto Wolff speaks to Sky Sports F1
"I don't think this is yet done. I think the result at the end I think he deserved it. That was spectacular but not a good race. The telemetry shows that he's slowing down... then accelerating again and then slowing down."
Did Hamilton know that Verstappen was letting him past?
"No he didn't know. I think that was the wrong sequence of messages that came through there. I don't think that was even on Lewis's mind. I need to look at it. "
This is going to rumble on and on and on. This incident is being investigated by the stewards, by the way. Who knows what will happen.
08:13 PMToto Wolff pretty happy about that
Toto Wolff pretty happy about that
"A rollercoaster of emotions," as they say...
After 50 intense laps of battling, the emotions come pouring out for @MercedesAMGF1
#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/JMXkWwKPyq— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
08:08 PMUpdated constructor standings
Updated constructor standings
All but Mercedes' now.
08:03 PMWas that ruthlessness or recklessness from Verstappen today?
Was that ruthlessness or recklessness from Verstappen today?
Recklessness squared, I'd say.
Sometimes you just have to know when you're beaten and go into the next round with your head and car in one piece.
07:59 PMA few images of the biggest controversy of the day...
A few images of the biggest controversy of the day...
When Verstappen slowed down (to let Hamilton pass?) and then Hamilton crashed into the back of the Red Bull.
07:55 PMVerstappen on the incident where Hamilton ran into the back of him
Verstappen on the incident where Hamilton ran into the back of him
"I slowed down, I wanted to let him by, I was on the right but he didn't want to overtake and we touched. I don't really understand what happened there"
He complains that it's become all about penalties and not about racing after being informed he was driver of the day.
"This isn't Formula One", he says.
07:52 PMHamilton reacts to his third victory in a row
Hamilton reacts to his third victory in a row
And his 103rd in total.
That was incredibly tough. We tried to be as sensible and as tough as I could be out there. Just keeping the car on track and staying clean. We've had all sorts of things thrown at us in the second half of the season.
I didn't quite understand why all of a sudden he hit the brakes heavily. I ran into the back of him... and then he moved on. It was a bit confusing.
They've got some raw pace. They've been so quick. We've done an amazing job with what we have. Valtteri did a great job to get the team points today as well.
07:50 PMVerstappen reacts to his second place
It was quite eventful. A lot of things happened which I don't fully agree with. I tried on track to give it all. Still second.
07:46 PMVerstappen ends up second
Verstappen reacts to his second place
It was quite eventful. A lot of things happened which I don't fully agree with. I tried on track to give it all. Still second.
07:46 PMVerstappen ends up second
Verstappen ends up second
But he could have been in the same position with a far more sensible performance. He risked it all several times. Yes, he could have taken a big step to winning the championship if he won this weekend but he can still win it with victory in the final round.
07:44 PMSAUDI ARABIAN GP: CLASSIFICATION
- HAM
- VER
- BOT
- OCO
- RIC
- GAS
- LEC
- SAO
- GIO
- NOR
- STR
- LAT
- ALO
- TSU
- RAI
SAUDI ARABIAN GP: CLASSIFICATION
- HAM
- VER
- BOT
- OCO
- RIC
- GAS
- LEC
- SAO
- GIO
- NOR
- STR
- LAT
- ALO
- TSU
- RAI
OUT: VET, PER, MAZ, RUS, MSC
07:42 PMLEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE 2021 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX!
LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE 2021 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX!
A superb drive from a superb driver. I think that much is certain.
Verstappen second, will it be Bottas or Ocon in third? It's mightily close but Bottas nips it at the close with DRS assistance. It would be heartbreak for Ocon, but he's already won a race this year. So, you know.
Bottas gets Ocon for third ON THE LINE! 🤯#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/308x8PD3Lj
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
07:40 PMFINAL LAP
FINAL LAP
Hamilton is going to romp home here. One of his strangest victories. He will surely claim the fastest lap point and that means they will be level on points heading into the final race. So much bad blood today. So much controversy. Hamilton might consider himself fortunate to still have a front wing but he has had the pace today. A lot of question marks over Verstappen's conduct here.
07:38 PMLap 49 of 50 - So many incidents in this race
Lap 49 of 50 - So many incidents in this race
Struggling to remember them all chronologically right now. Many of them controversial, a few of them absolutely strange. Hamilton, right now, is ahead and is going to win this race.
Verstappen is now a distant second as he has lost pace on his medium tyres.
07:37 PMLap 48 of 50 - Hamilton sets another fastest lap
Lap 48 of 50 - Hamilton sets another fastest lap
Bottas is harrying Ocon in third.
As it stands they would be level on points going into the final race.
07:36 PMLap 47 of 50 - Debris coming off Hamilton's front wing
Lap 47 of 50 - Debris coming off Hamilton's front wing
Just a few bits from the endplate, though, so should be fine to continue. Verstappen now trails by a net 11 seconds.
07:35 PMLap 46 of 50 - Top 10
- HAM
- VER
- OCO
- BOT
- RIC
- GAS
- SAI
- LEC
- GIO
- NOR
07:34 PMLap 45 of 50 - Verstappen says his rear tyres are going away
Lap 46 of 50 - Top 10
- HAM
- VER
- OCO
- BOT
- RIC
- GAS
- SAI
- LEC
- GIO
- NOR
07:34 PMLap 45 of 50 - Verstappen says his rear tyres are going away
Lap 45 of 50 - Verstappen says his rear tyres are going away
But he's told they can't change tyres as he's vulnerable to Ocon behind and would lose even more points.
Hamilton now leads by 4.5s so surely has the race in the bag barring disaster.
07:33 PMLap 44 of 50 - Can Verstappen take the fastest lap point?
Lap 44 of 50 - Can Verstappen take the fastest lap point?
Hamilton currently holds it. The five seconds with the pit stop for fresh tyres might put him behind Ocon and in third. There are going to be numerous appeals here.
This race has been one of the strangest I have ever seen. And it isn't over...
Hamilton has been given a warning (an informal one) for forcing Verstappen off the track. Somewhere. I can't even remember where it was. It has been one of those days.
07:32 PMLap 43 of 50 - Verstappen now has a five second penalty...
Lap 43 of 50 - Verstappen now has a five second penalty...
...for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Was that for the incident at turn one that kicked it all off? I think so. Must be. But then he gave the place back, so why?
At turn 27 Hamilton retakes the lead!
Was that Red Bull giving the place back again? Hamilton has the lead and Verstappen has a five-second penalty so this race is surely Hamilton's?
07:29 PMLap 42 of 50 - Why didn't Hamilton just go past him?
Lap 42 of 50 - Why didn't Hamilton just go past him?
Did Verstappen move over on him at the last minute? He could have just gone past. Regardless of what his team told him...
Verstappen lets Hamilton through... but then retakes the lead by getting DRS into the pit straight.
07:27 PMLap 41 of 50 - There was a brilliant slow motion replay of Toto Wolff...
Lap 41 of 50 - There was a brilliant slow motion replay of Toto Wolff...
...he threw his headset to the ground in pure rage as that happened. Mercedes querying the communication channels between the teams and the FIA here. It didn't seem to be the case that Hamilton knew what was going on, otherwise he'd have given the spot back.
Hamilton sets a new fastest lap.
07:26 PMLap 40 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 2.2s
Lap 40 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 2.2s
The big thing here is that Red Bull still did not give the place back. Michael Masi seems to want that to happen. I think.
Ron Meadows is furious on the radio to Masi.
07:24 PMLap 39 of 50 - This is going to take a lot of working out
Lap 39 of 50 - This is going to take a lot of working out
It's like Hamilton didn't know what was going on. Verstappen slowed right down and then just went into the back of him. But did Verstappen do it unpredictably?
Verstappen now leads Hamilton by 1.8s. Hamilton still has good pace, broken wing or not.
07:23 PMLap 38 of 50 - Hamilton has a broken front wing
Lap 38 of 50 - Hamilton has a broken front wing
Both cars are still going, though. It's not too badly damaged but is beyond its best.
LAP 38/50
MAX AND LEWIS COLLIDE!
Verstappen is instructed to give the place to Hamilton, but they make contact 😱#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/QnRaWoaYzP— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Verstappen is leading. That was strange. The incident is under investigation.
Verstappen was told by his to give Hamilton the place back after the turn one incident. He backed right off, Hamilton seemingly didn't know he had been told to do it... but did Verstappen brake too hard. If he gave the place back why did he slow down so much? So strange.
07:21 PMLap 37 of 50 - Verstappen keeps the lead!
Lap 37 of 50 - Verstappen keeps the lead!
Did they touch again! Hamilton went down the outside, Verstappen did not want to give up the place. They both went off the track.
Hamilton is not happy...
"This guy is f------ crazy, man!" he says on the radio. Verstappen was later on the brakes there.
Verstappen is told to give the position back... he slows down and they TOUCH! Hamilton runs into the back of the Red Bull. This is crazy! It's happened again!
07:19 PMLap 36 of 50 - VSC called again
Lap 36 of 50 - VSC called again
This has been the order of the day. I think it's a bit of debris from the Aston Martin. In the middle of the track. Hamilton had closed to as close as he has been all day and now the VSC is ending..
Will Hamilton get DRS and a run at the first corner? Yes...
This could be the moment. Has Verstappen saved any battery power?
07:17 PMLap 35 of 50 - Hamilton with the fastest lap
Lap 35 of 50 - Hamilton with the fastest lap
Wasn't a great deal quicker than Verstappen, though. This is gripping. The whole season has been like this, really. 16 laps to go. Hamilton desperately needs to find a way through. Somehow.
What's this? A big bit of debris on the track in the middle sector. That has to be at least a VSC if not a full one...
Nothing yet...
Hamilton sets another fastest lap...
07:15 PMLap 34 of 50 - Hamilton closes the gap to 1.2s
Lap 34 of 50 - Hamilton closes the gap to 1.2s
I feel there's life left in this race here. Hamilton again loses time in the first sector. Four tenths or so. He usually gets to within a second or so by the line and then the Red Bull looks mighty in the twistier section.
07:14 PMLap 33 of 50 - VSC ends...
Lap 33 of 50 - VSC ends...
Verstappen gets past Raikkonen at an opportune moment and puts a bit more space between himself and Hamilton. I don't think it's all that crucial, Hamilton will get that back soon enough but every little helps. Those laps under the VSC will have helped Verstappen's tyres, no doubt.
07:13 PMLap 32 of 50 - Ocon looking decent for a second podium here
Lap 32 of 50 - Ocon looking decent for a second podium here
Running 3.8s ahead of Ricciardo.
When will the VSC end? Soon I hope.
07:12 PMLap 31 of 50 - VSC still 'out'
Lap 31 of 50 - VSC still 'out'
Verstappen is approaching the backmarker Raikkonen which has allowed Hamilton to close up under the VSC, which seems a bit odd. This is not what Verstappen needs. Everyone has a certain time that they have to keep to, shown on their dashboards, but it's not automated. The gap grows again. Reckon Hamilton was just playing mind games there. Maybe.
07:10 PMLap 30 of 50 - Verstappen has a pit stop on Ocon
Lap 30 of 50 - Verstappen has a pit stop on Ocon
We are still under VSC conditions. Doesn't look like we're going to a full safety car, then. It would have been called by now, surely. This is helping keep life in Verstappen's medium tyres. Might Mercedes try something a bit different here? Pit for mediums and come back? I'm not sure if that's his best option right now. He has the pace, but can he get by in the next 19 laps?
07:07 PMLap 29 of 50 - Alonso complains about debris in turn six and 10
Lap 29 of 50 - Alonso complains about debris in turn six and 10
He's right. But the pack has strung itself out now and I don't know if a VSC will be enough...
They bring out another VSC to get rid of that debris, then.
So, quick championship update: As it stands, Verstappen would lead Hamilton by 14 points going into the final round. Third would then be enough to secure the championship, regardless of what Hamilton does.
Alonso wants a full SC.
07:04 PMLap 28 of 50 - VSC ending
Lap 28 of 50 - VSC ending
And Verstappen leads Hamilton by the customary 1.4s. This is gripping. I'm not sure which way this is going to go. Both cars look okay. Would say the Mercedes looks better but Verstappen has track position.
07:04 PMLap 27 of 50 - Hamilton can't get close enough in the first sector
Lap 27 of 50 - Hamilton can't get close enough in the first sector
But then makes most of it up again in the final two sectors. Some Aston Martin debris out there on the banked corner, not too far off the racing line.
Actually, it was a clash with Raikkonen that caused the damage to his car. A bit aggressive from the Finn, there.
LAP VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR (LAP 30/50)
Raikkonen collides with his former team mate Vettel, and the VSC is called to retrieve the debris#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/G4CusdZzFX— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Now we have a VSC, presumably because of the debris on the track.
07:02 PMLap 26 of 50 - Hamilton pumping in the fastest laps
Lap 26 of 50 - Hamilton pumping in the fastest laps
He hasn't yet got use of DRS on the pit straight, though. Tsunoda has been given a five-second time penalty for tagging Vettel, who seems to be dropping carbon fibre off his car throughout the lap.
07:00 PMLap 25 of 50 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +1.209
- OCO +10.713
- RIC +12.478
- BOT +13.130
- GAS +18.896
- GIO +19.248
- SAI +28.932
- LEC +29.669
- STR +31.890
06:59 PMLap 24 of 50 - The race should probably have been finishing about now...
Lap 25 of 50 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +1.209
- OCO +10.713
- RIC +12.478
- BOT +13.130
- GAS +18.896
- GIO +19.248
- SAI +28.932
- LEC +29.669
- STR +31.890
06:59 PMLap 24 of 50 - The race should probably have been finishing about now...
Lap 24 of 50 - The race should probably have been finishing about now...
With no incidents. But that's F1, isn't it? VSC ends and Verstappen leads Hamilton by about 1.5s.
Hamilton looks the more likely man at the moment. But Verstappen isn't going to go home without a fight. We know that.
06:57 PMLap 23 of 50 - Yellow flags
Lap 23 of 50 - Yellow flags
Yuki Tsunoda is in the barriers. His front wing is partially dislodged... he dislodges it reversing but runs over it again... and can't get free. His brakes are on fire and he has left the front wing behind... it's a VSC. Tsunoda collided with Vettel there.
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR (LAP 23/50)
Tsunoda brings out the VSC after colliding with Vettel
He pits for repairs a the end of the lap#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/9wrUAquHLN— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Verstappen doesn't take the opportunity to pit here under the VSC and nor does Hamilton. It wouldn't save them a great deal of time so that's fair enough. It's not like a full safety car.
06:55 PMLap 22 of 50 - DRS enabled
Lap 22 of 50 - DRS enabled
Hamilton has dropped back a bit with a poor first sector. Didn't see what happened but that will be a relief for Verstappen.
06:54 PMLap 21 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.3s
Lap 21 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.3s
How does this pan out for Red Bull... can they get to the end on these mediums? I am not sure. Running at this pace with Hamilton close behind is going to take life out of them.
Hamilton gets the fastest lap but does not get DRS this time. When he does you think it'll be an easy job on the pit straight. Well, nothing's ever that easy with Verstappen...
06:52 PMLap 20 of 50 - "Lack of power," Verstappen says
Lap 20 of 50 - "Lack of power," Verstappen says
We get this from time to time and it rarely means the engine cutting out. It could be anything, deployment, battery issues or whatever.
LAP 20/50
Max. Lewis. Game on. ⚔️#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/nKjsfUPZsi— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Hamilton now within DRS range of Verstappen, but will he get it at the right point? Hamilton is flying... the Mercedes looks rapido today.
06:50 PMLap 19 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.3s
Lap 19 of 50 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.3s
Hamilton sets the fastest lap last time around, four tenths quicker nearly that last time around. He's flying. Verstappen on the medium tyres, Hamilton on the hards.
Top 10:
VER
HAM +1.495
OCO +4.075
RIC +5.436
BOT +6.648
GAS +8.662
GIO +9.945
VET +11.196
TSU +11.918
LEC +12.660
06:49 PMLap 18 of 50 - Hamilton into second now
Lap 18 of 50 - Hamilton into second now
It was a big pace advantage he had on the pit straight and it was very easy. He looks to have significant pace on these hard tyres.
It was a really bold move from Verstappen on lap one. He went down a gap on the inside as Hamilton, in the middle, was more concerned with Ocon on the outside. Hamilton's front right wing sparked as it touched the Alpine.
Ocon ran off the track to keep the lead and then Verstappen took the lead very easily within mere moments.
06:47 PMRACE RESTARTS!
RACE RESTARTS!
The third standing start of the day... who gets away better?
It's Verstappen! The medium tyres give him the better start and he gets ahead of Hamilton at the first corner, up the inside... Hamilton has to yield! Did they touch again?
Ocon is involved there too ahead of Hamilton... but Verstappen takes the lead!
LIGHTS OUT PT. III
Ocon, Hamilton and Verstappen squeeze at Turn 1!
Verstappen gets through and past Ocon, Hamilton drops to third#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/nEvWarlTno— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
I'm not sure I can take much more of this.
Verstappen leads Ocon who leads Hamilton, who is very close behind...
06:44 PMWe are nearly ready to go again (again)
We are nearly ready to go again (again)
Hamilton locks up quite badly on the formation lap.
Ocon leads Hamilton, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bottas, Gasly, Leclerc (all race winners) and Giovinazzi.
Ocon starts on the hard tyres as does Hamilton. Verstappen, Ricciardo and Bottas on the mediums.
06:42 PMTHE THIRD FORMATION LAP STARTS
THE THIRD FORMATION LAP STARTS
They go out behind the SC but will it be a standing or rolling start?
Max Verstappen has changed to new mediums, prioritising track position it seems. Hamilton decides to stay on the hard tyres. The Dutchman lets Hamilton and Ocon through. Hamilton questions why he is on the hard tyres and not mediums
It will be another standing start. Ooof.
06:41 PMOf course, this gives the teams an opportunity to change their tyres again!
Of course, this gives the teams an opportunity to change their tyres again!
Will anyone? I have given up trying to work it out.
06:39 PMHard to believe that we still have another 34 laps...
Hard to believe that we still have another 34 laps...
We've had not even one racing lap since the first red flag nearly 40 minutes ago.
06:38 PMNo word on the restart yet
No word on the restart yet
When it is nor whether it will be a standing one (third time's a charm?) or a rolling one...
06:36 PMRight, here's the Top 10 for the restart
- OCO
- HAM
- VER
- RIC
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- GIO
- SAI
- VET
Right, here's the Top 10 for the restart
- OCO
- HAM
- VER
- RIC
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- GIO
- SAI
- VET
Lando Norris now down in 16th and last after all that.
06:34 PMRed Bull also complain to Masi about Bottas and Hamilton backing off under the SC
Red Bull also complain to Masi about Bottas and Hamilton backing off under the SC
So much to sort out here.
06:33 PMI am not sure what Red Bull do here
I am not sure what Red Bull do here
They will cede track position to Hamilton, but surely Verstappen will pick up a penalty? At least if they start one position behind Hamilton there is a chance to take the lead.
Michael Masi has not yet involved the stewards and is trying to sort it out without getting them involved. Which seems fair enough.
Red Bull accept the offer of 1. OCO 2. HAM 3. VER
06:31 PMMichael Masi to Red Bull
Michael Masi to Red Bull
"We're going to give you the opportunity to start from grid position two." That's interesting.
Red Bull say they will think about it. So where does Ocon start?
Red Bull say they will take P2 on the basis that Ocon is on pole. Masi says that, no, actually the offer is not to start P2 but to be dropped back behind Hamilton. So that would be P3, with Ocon leading Hamilton? I guess.
Who knows?
06:28 PMHamilton (rightly) not happy
"I had to avoid a collision there." - Lewis. 🤷♂️
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 5, 2021
Hamilton (rightly) not happy
"I had to avoid a collision there." - Lewis. 🤷♂️
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 5, 2021
Given what happened on that restart, Ted Kravitz talks about whether it might be better to do a rolling start this time.
06:26 PMI don't think there can be any doubt about that incident at the restart
I don't think there can be any doubt about that incident at the restart
Would that be a five-second penalty? Still no word that it might be referred to the stewards, but it surely will. Hamilton had the corner.
06:25 PMLap 15 of 50 - RED FLAG
Lap 15 of 50 - RED FLAG
It was a terrible start from Verstappen... they nearly collided off the line. Hamilton was clearly ahead into the braking zone but Verstappen drove recklessly t aggressively to try and retake the lead.
Perez got tagged from behind it seems. From Leclerc. Bottas had locked up at the first turn and moved down to fifth.
Mazepin's accident was pretty nasty from onboard. He basically went full throttle into the back of George Russell who had slowed because of the crashes up front.
06:22 PMRACE RESTARTS
RACE RESTARTS
It's a lengthy wait for Latifi to take his spot...
Away they go!
It's a much better start for Hamilton who takes the lead into the first braking zone on the inside... but Verstappen does not back down or back off and goes over the kerbs at turn two and retakes the lead!
LIGHTS OUT FOR THE RESTART!
Hamilton gets alongside Verstappen into Turn 1
Verstappen rejoins ahead of Hamilton and Ocon, but there's chaos behind#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/ttXExzcZRb— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
They touch on exit and Ocon takes second place from Hamilton. That will need to be looked at! Same as we've seen before....
But there's chaos at the back... Perez has spun and Mazepin is in the wall. Russell is out too!
IT'S ANOTHER RED FLAG!
06:19 PMHere we go (again)
Max Verstappen leads the drivers out of pits
It'll be a standings start as we return to racing#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/X1pN6utH0c
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Here we go (again)
Max Verstappen leads the drivers out of pits
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
It'll be a standings start as we return to racing#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/X1pN6utH0c
Hamilton backing off on the formation lap. Verstappen trying to get heat into his tyres but that's not what Hamilton wants. He wants to make him wait. Verstappen not happy.
"Mate, it's still more than 10 cars [lengths]. This is not allowed," he says.
06:17 PMLooks like they will do a full formation lap behind the SC
Looks like they will do a full formation lap behind the SC
And then take the grid for a standing start.
A reminder of the top 10 order as we approach the restart.
VER
HAM
BOT
OCO
RIC
LEC
GAS
PER
SAI
GIO
That has worked out well for Ocon, too. Perez has now switched to a new set of mediums. He previously had hard tyres on.
Hamilton is complaining that Verstappen did a practice start from the pit lane, which he says is not allowed. Verstappen complains that the SC is driving slowly... again.
06:14 PMHamilton asks what he needs to do
Hamilton asks what he needs to do
James Vowles replies:
The main thing is this: everyone is going to go to the end of the race on these tyres now but you had car pace... the main thing now is pressure him... you have car pace.
He might not need to pressure him... he might get him at the start. That said, he has more used (albeit only under the SC) tyres than Verstappen.
06:12 PMWe are going to get the race start we would have had...
We are going to get the race start we would have had...
...had Verstappen not locked up and then stuffed it into the wall.
06:09 PMI agree with Marcus Ericsson here
I agree with Marcus Ericsson here
But, again, a red flag worked out very well for Hamilton in Imola. It allowed him to not be lapped by the leaders after he had crashed and he came back to finish second.
Stupid and unfair rule to be able to change tyres during red flag 🚩… This can decide the championship, not cool 🤯 #F1 #SaudiArabianGP
— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) December 5, 2021
06:07 PMRACE WILL RESUME AT 6.15PM GMT
RACE WILL RESUME AT 6.15PM GMT
It will, I believe, be a standing start. So, the potential for more drama.
Staying out was a gamble from Red Bull as the SC was called. Most others in the top 10 stopped. It meant that they had track position but older, softer and more worn tyres (Verstappen's looked a little blistered) but with Mercedes right behind them.
06:06 PMMick Schumacher's Haas in the barriers
Mick Schumacher's Haas in the barriers
Was a fairly big crash but the barrier - as Hamilton says - doesn't look wrecked...
06:02 PMLap 14 of 50 - RED FLAG
Lap 14 of 50 - RED FLAG
The cars have gone back into the pit lane and can change tyres, parts etc as long as they match. Tyre compounds do not have to match, so that means Verstappen can go onto a fresh set of hards to match Mercedes and keep track position.
Hamilton is not too happy with the decision to red flag this. He says the tyre wall [it's a TecPro barrier] looks fine but wants his team to find out the reason.
"That's unbelievable man. The tyre wall looks fine. James, that was a big gamble they took."
Hamilton very interested in this on the radio. He's speaking to James Vowles, chief strategist. Hmmmm. Intrigue etcetera.
05:59 PMRED FLAG
RED FLAG
Right, that has worked out excellently for Red Bull. That means Verstappen can now change his tyres without penalty. So the answer to my previous question is: no, it will not come back to bite Red Bull.
🚩 RED FLAG (LAP 14/50) 🚩
The race is suspended, as the barrier requires repair#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/BPqlos0TLg— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
It has worked out brilliantly. Perfectly. There is obviously some issue with the barriers there. Schumacher's car has been removed but a barrier repair looks likely to be the issue.
05:56 PMLap 13 of 50 - Will this decision not to pit come back to bite Red Bull?
LAP 12/50 (SAFETY CAR)
Plenty of action in the pit lane - but Verstappen doesn't come in, and he now leads the race ahead of Hamilton and Bottas
Ocon (P4) and Ricciardo (P5) also stay out#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/8O9pbfa4kl
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Lap 13 of 50 - Will this decision not to pit come back to bite Red Bull?
LAP 12/50 (SAFETY CAR)
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Plenty of action in the pit lane - but Verstappen doesn't come in, and he now leads the race ahead of Hamilton and Bottas
Ocon (P4) and Ricciardo (P5) also stay out#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/8O9pbfa4kl
Verstappen wants the SC to go a bit quicker.
05:54 PMLap 12 of 50 - Full order under the SC
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- OCO
- RIC
- LEC
- GAS
- PER
- SAI
- GIO
- TSU
- RAI
- VER
- NOR
- ALO
- MAZ
- RUS
- STR
- LAT
Lap 12 of 50 - Full order under the SC
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- OCO
- RIC
- LEC
- GAS
- PER
- SAI
- GIO
- TSU
- RAI
- VER
- NOR
- ALO
- MAZ
- RUS
- STR
- LAT
OUT: MSC
05:53 PMLap 11 of 50 - Bottas backed off MASSIVELY under the SC
Lap 11 of 50 - Bottas backed off MASSIVELY under the SC
He dropped so far behind Hamilton to allow them both to pit. You can't do that... and that may well be a penalty.
05:52 PMLap 10 of 50 - Hamilton pits
Lap 10 of 50 - Hamilton pits
Bottas backs off under the SC... possibly because Mercedes want to double stack their drivers? Yep. Verstappen now leads on track as he decided not to pit. Quite a few drivers pit here.
Mercedes have gone onto the fresh hard tyres - as Perez did. Will they want to go to the end of the race on those?
There could well be another SC or VSC later on.
05:50 PMLap 10 of 50 - Good lap from Verstappen
Lap 10 of 50 - Good lap from Verstappen
A 1:33.573... his best of the race. Puts him within 1.3s of Bottas.
Hamilton has just set the fastest lap of anyone, though, a 1:33.150...
BIG CRASH, MICK SCHUMACHER INTO THE BARRIERS...
SAFETY CAR.
SAFETY CAR (LAP 10/50)
Mick Schumacher crashes heavily and the Safety Car comes out
He reports he is okay over the radio 👍#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/H4mZXyZjMs— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Will anyone pit?
05:48 PMLap 9 of 50 - Hamilton extends his lead to two seconds
Lap 9 of 50 - Hamilton extends his lead to two seconds
Another fastest lap. It's looking hunky dory for him at the moment. No yellow flags or crashes yet.
05:46 PMLap 8 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.6s
Lap 8 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.6s
Verstappen 1.5s behind Bottas. Verstappen finds a bit of pace to post his best lap time. Sainz gets Alonso for 11th at the first corner. It's all going a bit badly for Alonso at the moment.
05:45 PMLap 7 of 50 - Sainz going well, he's up to 12th now
Lap 7 of 50 - Sainz going well, he's up to 12th now
Alonso under threat. He loses 10th to Giovinazzi and is under attack from his compatriot. It was a lovely move around the outside at turn one.
05:44 PMLap 6 of 50 - Hamilton responds with a fastest lap of his own
Lap 6 of 50 - Hamilton responds with a fastest lap of his own
Alonso goes deep into turn one and stays ahead of Giovinazzi and in 10th. Didn't have the best qualifying session but a fine start to the race.
Bottas says he could do with a bit more of a gap in front to Hamilton. He's within two seconds of his team-mate. Verstappen a similar distance behind the Finn.
05:42 PMLap 5 of 50 - Bottas with the new fastest lap
Lap 5 of 50 - Bottas with the new fastest lap
A couple of tenths quicker than Hamilton and less than a tenth quicker than Verstappen. The Finn doing a good job so far.
05:40 PMLap 4 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.4s
Lap 4 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.4s
Bottas is starting to edge away from Verstappen. A couple of tenths faster per lap so far. A long way to go but a tad worrying. Makes you realise how crucial pole would have been.
05:39 PMLap 3 of 50 - Hamilton with the fastest lap
Lap 3 of 50 - Hamilton with the fastest lap
Comparable to Bottas, though. Ocon was squeezed at the start against the wall a replay shows. A bit of close contact racing in the early stages but nothing too drastic.
05:37 PMLap 2 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.150s
Lap 2 of 50 - Hamilton leads Bottas by 1.150s
Bit of field spread going on already here...
Verstappen within DRS range of Bottas, though DRS is yet to be activated. Will be interesting to see if Hamilton's tyres hang on.
Here's the top 10:
HAM
BOT
VER
LEC
PER
NOR
OCO
GAS
RIC
ALO
05:36 PMTHE 2021 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX IS GO!
THE 2021 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX IS GO!
Hamilton and Bottas both get decent starts and they stay 1-2 with Verstappen third. Perez nearly tagged Verstappen at the first braking zone but narrowly avoided it... the Mexican has now dropped behind Charles Leclerc, who is back to fourth.
LIGHTS OUT IN JEDDAH!
⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️
⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/TDGZbEhU6M— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Couldn't have gone better for Mercedes. Verstappen needs to clear Bottas here if he want sto win.
In fairness, it doesn't really matter if Hamilton wins and he finishes second or third as a win will seal him the championship in Abu Dhabi.
05:34 PMThey line up on the grid....
They line up on the grid....
Here we go... how will it go? Could it be nervy? A hell of a lot at stake at the moment...
05:31 PMFORMATION LAP BEGINS
FORMATION LAP BEGINS
It'll be a long one.
05:30 PMDriver standings and permutations... before we start
05:28 PMJust a few minutes to go until lights out
Driver standings and permutations... before we start
05:28 PMJust a few minutes to go until lights out
Just a few minutes to go until lights out
Predictions? Could be a safety car... a red flag. A crash on the first lap could well be a big one. We saw that in the F2. Hopefully we avoid that.
05:26 PMStarting tyre types in the top 10
Starting tyre types in the top 10
Everyone is on the mediums but Lando Norris, who is on the softs. As mentioned before, different lap amounts on them, with Hamilton's having done four more than Verstappen's. Not sure the undercut will be especially powerful today, though.
05:22 PMCan Bottas play a part for Hamilton today?
Can Bottas play a part for Hamilton today?
He hasn't done in previous races... Russia... Mexico. Doesn't mean he won't today. Biggest part he has played in this championship is with that crash in Hungary.
05:14 PMDamon Hill doing a tribute in the Saudia-sponsored FW07
Damon Hill doing a tribute in the Saudia-sponsored FW07
A certified "nice touch", that.
A proper celebration of all things Sir Frank 💙
1996 World Champion @HillF1 takes Alan Jones' legendary 1980 championship-winning car, the FW07, for a lap around the circuit#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F1 @WilliamsRacing pic.twitter.com/oCBEff2AOD— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
05:09 PMMartin Brundle chats to Christian Horner on his Sky Sports F1 grid walk
Martin Brundle chats to Christian Horner on his Sky Sports F1 grid walk
He asks him if they are worried about not changing the gearbox and whether they took a risk in not doing so.
I don't think so. It's passed all the test that we normally do. We have to believe in our measurements... in our tools. We've got to go for it. Max can still see his main rival just ahead of him. There's a lot of racing to be done.
05:05 PMVerstappen's team radio
Verstappen's team radio
"Is everything ok to the grid, Max?"
"Yep."
So far, so good. He is further along than Charles Leclerc managed in Monaco earlier this year.
04:57 PMStrategy chat from Pirelli
What will be the quickest route to the #SaudiArabiaGP finish line? 🏁 🔮 #F1 #Fit4F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli pic.twitter.com/GkaZMD0nsK
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) December 5, 2021
Strategy chat from Pirelli
What will be the quickest route to the #SaudiArabiaGP finish line? 🏁 🔮 #F1 #Fit4F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli pic.twitter.com/GkaZMD0nsK
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) December 5, 2021
Interestingly, Hamilton will start on medium tyres that are four laps older than Verstappen's. Could that prove critical strategically? Wear seems to be quite low.
04:52 PMFINAL STARTING GRID
FINAL STARTING GRID
2. BOT 1. HAM
4. LEC 3. VER
6. GAS 5. PER
8. TSU 7. NOR
10. GIO 9. OCO
12. RAI 11. RIC
14. RUS 13. ALO
16. LAT 15. SAI
18. STR 17. VET
20. MAZ 19. MSC
Hamilton on the clean side of the grid but Bottas with the inside line. Verstappen right behind Hamilton.
04:46 PMWatch: How it all ended for Max Verstappen yesterday
04:39 PMCurrent constructor standings
Watch: How it all ended for Max Verstappen yesterday
04:39 PMCurrent constructor standings
Current constructor standings
McLaren made a brilliant start to the season but have rather fallen behind Ferrari in recent rounds. Hard to see them clawing it back.
04:35 PMNo gearbox change for Max Verstappen
No gearbox change for Max Verstappen
But a lot of other things changed on his car after his crash yesterday. Like-for-like, though, as the rules state.
04:29 PMPaddock leads tributes to Frank Williams
Ahead of lights out, the whole paddock comes together to celebrate a true legend of Formula 1
Drivers, team members and world champions stand together for a minute of silence for the one and only Sir Frank Williams ❤️#F1 pic.twitter.com/Df6vCCPZm0
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
04:27 PMPlenty of tributes to Sir Frank Williams this weekend
Paddock leads tributes to Frank Williams
Ahead of lights out, the whole paddock comes together to celebrate a true legend of Formula 1
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2021
Drivers, team members and world champions stand together for a minute of silence for the one and only Sir Frank Williams ❤️#F1 pic.twitter.com/Df6vCCPZm0
04:27 PMPlenty of tributes to Sir Frank Williams this weekend
Plenty of tributes to Sir Frank Williams this weekend
He passed away last week aged 79. What an extraordinary man he was, who achieved so many things. The drivers and teams just had a minutes' applause on the grid for him. Many of the current grid have driven for his team but all of them can appreciate what he did for the sport.
Thinking of you today, Sir Frank. 💙 pic.twitter.com/n3sbtPGXmb
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 5, 2021
04:22 PMCurrent driver standings: Top 10
Current driver standings: Top 10
Max Verstappen can win the championship today... but something weird would have to happen to Hamilton for that to be the case.
04:10 PMNot sure if there will be a delay to things today
Not sure if there will be a delay to things today
The F2 feature race has only just "finished", though it never really got going and involved plenty of crashes.
Both Pourchaire and Fittipaldi were immediately attended to by emergency and medical crews
The drivers were conscious and extricated by the attending medical crews and have been transferred to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 #F2— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 5, 2021
There shouldn't be a delay, but they may have cut out some of the other things that were planned.
04:06 PMTimes after qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1min 27.511secs
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Mercedes GP 1:27.622
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:27.653
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:28.054
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:28.123
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:28.125
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:28.180
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:28.442
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:28.647
- Antonio Giovinazzi (Ita) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:28.754
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren 1:28.668
- Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:28.885
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:28.920
- George Russell (Gbr) Williams 1:29.054
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari 1:53.652
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:29.177
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:29.198
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:29.368
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:29.464
- Nikita Mazepin (Raf) Haas F1 1:30.473
02:50 PMGood afternoon F1 fans
Times after qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1min 27.511secs
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Mercedes GP 1:27.622
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:27.653
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:28.054
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:28.123
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:28.125
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:28.180
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:28.442
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:28.647
- Antonio Giovinazzi (Ita) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:28.754
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren 1:28.668
- Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:28.885
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:28.920
- George Russell (Gbr) Williams 1:29.054
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari 1:53.652
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:29.177
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:29.198
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:29.368
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:29.464
- Nikita Mazepin (Raf) Haas F1 1:30.473
02:50 PMGood afternoon F1 fans
Good afternoon F1 fans
Welcome to our coverage for the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from the Jeddah Corniche (street) Circuit. It is becoming a bit of a joke and an easy thing to say, but this is the season that just keeps delivering, isn't it? At every stage. We have just two races, one qualifying and three practice sessions remaining and still there is hardly anything to separate Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Saturday's qualifying session had a dramatic climax. Tom Cary reports from Jeddah:
We were promised drama in Saudi Arabia this week, and boy did we get it.
A hugely dramatic day, one which saw yet more controversy in this most breathless of seasons, ended with Mercedes’ seven-time champion claiming pole for Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix while his title rival, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, was forced to trudge back to the pits in despair after slamming his car into the final corner on his final flying lap.
It could prove the costliest error of the young Dutchman’s career.
Red Bull’s championship leader was on a flyer, turning the timesheets purple as he lowered Hamilton’s mark through the first two sectors of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, trying to improve on P3. It was breathtaking stuff, “a mighty, mighty lap” according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
But he was clearly on the ragged edge, pushing dangerously close to the car’s - and the circuit’s - limits. Verstappen had already nearly lost control a couple of times even before he reached the final corner and locked up, losing the rear end and clipping the outside wall.
The good news for Verstappen - at least at the moment - is that the damage to his car from his brush with the wall did not require a gearbox change. That means he avoids a costly grid penalty, so will still start in third place, behind Hamilton and Bottas.
What does that mean for his hopes in the race? Well, the Mercedes looked mighty on the long run practice on Friday but who knows what they or Red Bull may have been hiding. The nature of this track - high-speed, flowing corners and walls close in - means that there's a decent chance of a safety car in the race, which could throw a spanner in the works. It's a long lap, so there is also a high chance of someone being done over by its timing. Don't rule out Verstappen making a good start - or Hamilton a bad one - and getting up to the front by the first lap, either. In short, it is all to play for.
The race begins at 5.30pm GMT under lights and we will be here for all the build-up, live updates and reaction from what could be a crucial race in the championship.