The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been red-flagged twice by the 16th lap of the race.
The first race on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was originally stopped on on the 14th lap after a heavy crash for Mick Schumacher which caused damage to a barrier.It was restarted, but swiftly stopped again after a multi-car collision which eliminated several drivers.
The Haas driver was unhurt in his crash, which occured when he spun off at turn 22 on lap 11. However the impact caused extensive damage to the TecPro barrier which he hit.
The Safety Car was deployed initially, then after three laps FIA Formula 1 race director Michael Masi took the call to red flag the race.
Several drivers had taken the opportunity to pit, including the race-leading Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, plus Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, George Russell, Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi.
Max Verstappen therefore took the lead of the race. He and the other drivers who did not pit under the Safety Car were able to fit fresh tyres before the restart.
Verstappen led Hamilton, Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Daniel Ricciardo, Leclerc, Gasly, Perez, Carlos Sainz Jnr and Antonio Giovinazzi when the race resumes.
Following the restart another crash occured at the exit of turn three. Leclerc tangled with Perez, who spun into a barrier. George Russell and Nikita Mazepin collided behind them, putting both out.
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Mike
5th December 2021, 18:19
Nothing against the red flag, but the fact that yet again we have a huge controversy about changing tyres under it yet again is kinda saying enough. This is no sport, this is a joke. Merry Christmas RedBull.
JeroenJ
5th December 2021, 19:18
It’s not a controversy if it is according to the rules. But I wouldn’t mind if it is changed frim next season onwards.
f12007v (@f1fan-2000)
5th December 2021, 18:26
Max finally getting the luck he deserve
dan
5th December 2021, 19:54
@f1fan-2000
Unlucky my guy
Jim from US (@jimfromus)
5th December 2021, 18:38
Red flag decision was way late.
Jim from US (@jimfromus)
5th December 2021, 18:40
Mazepin has the reflexes of a sloth.
Xavi
5th December 2021, 20:13
Not defending his poor driving, but what you said is not true, otherwise he would’ve had crashed into Hammy on Practice
discotheque (@discotheque)
5th December 2021, 19:26
Just turned the Sky coverage off after the Max/Lewis incident – first time in 40 years. I don’t want to watch the finish. Track not fit for purpose and this smacks very nastily of being all about money.
MarcusAurelius (@marcusaurelius)
5th December 2021, 21:32
@discotheque Same here. Last time I missed an F1 race was Monaco ‘94. Now I turned of the TV in disgust. This is not what I want to see.
Adrian
5th December 2021, 22:39
The track is dangerous and with all the blind corners, not conducive to good TV watching.