Max Verstappen warns "no room for error" in Saudi GP

Close up of Verstappen in his RB16B in Qatar — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Verstappen warns "no room for error" in Saudi GP

F1 will race in Saudi Arabia for the first time this weekend

Sam Hall

Wednesday 1 December 2021 18:00

Max Verstappen has warned there is "no room for error" on the all-new Saudi Arabian Grand Prix layout.

The Jeddah Street Circuit has been marketed as the 'world's fastest street circuit' with drivers set to navigate a series of long flowing corners on a wide passage of asphalt.

Such are the differences between the purpose-built Saudi layout and Monaco, that it is virtually impossible to compare the two venues.

One commonality shared, however, is the proximity of the barriers.

"I’ve driven the track on the simulator and it seems like a really fast track, so there’s no room for error," said Verstappen.

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"Of course, there will always be a bit of guesswork as we haven’t driven on the track there yet.

"It’s going to be interesting and I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been fun to go to different tracks again this year."

Verstappen "positively surprised" by Qatar

F1's trip to Saudi Arabia sees the sport venture to a new venue for the second race in succession.

Adapting to new tracks is something that has become second nature to teams in recent years after the additions of Portimao, Mugello and the Bahrain outer circuit last year and the reintroductions of Imola and the Nurburgring.

Reflecting on the Losail International Circuit where the Verstappen finished second to title-rival Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman explained: "It wasn’t too bad and it wasn’t too good!

"I was positively surprised by the overtaking possibilities there, the start was good and necessary of course after the penalty.

"We still lacked quite a bit of pace compared to Mercedes so we’ll see how we get on this weekend.

"The track in Qatar was definitely one of my favourites, it was a lot of fun to drive."