F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Masi warns drivers over track position antics in Jeddah qualifying

FIA race director Michael Masi has issued a warning to drivers ahead of Saturday's qualifying in Jeddah, instructing the field to avoid any attempt in the session to create a gap from Turn 23 to Turn 25.

While drivers have praised Saudi Arabia's new venue, many have singled out the complex of corners that precedes the fast left-hand sweep that leads to the track's final Turn 27.

In Friday's practice, several drivers slowed on their approach to Turn 23 in order to create a gap and enjoy a clean run on their following lap.

But the configuration of Turn 22 means that drivers risk catching up with a slower car on the exit of the blind corner, an issue that led to a few dodgy moments on Friday.

On Saturday, Masi published a note to teams warning drivers not to slow in the specific area.

"Any driver intending to create a gap in front of him in order to get a clear lap should not attempt to do this around turn 23 through to turn 25," stated the director's updated event note.

"Any driver seen to have done this will be reported to the stewards as being in breach of article 27.4 of the Sporting Regulations."

After Friday's practice, pacesetter Lewis Hamilton was enthused by Jeddah's track but also warned of potential traffic "danger zones".

"It's Monaco-esque: the speed - the closing distance on other cars - is definitely getting to a bit of a danger zone," said the Mercedes driver who will be gunning for his 103rd career pole in F1 on Saturday evening.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Pitwall hero: Sainz’s insight lifts Albon in Melbourne mayhem

Carlos Sainz’s Australian Grand Prix was over almost before it began on Sunday in Melbourne,…

6 hours ago

Doohan expects more home GPs, despite media speculation

Jack Doohan, despite intense media scrutiny and a crash at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix,…

7 hours ago

Australian GP: Sunday's action in pictures

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix was a heart-pounding spectacle, with McLaren’s Lando Norris mastering chaotic…

8 hours ago

Stella explains why McLaren intra-team battle was put on pause

The Australian Grand Prix took an unexpected turn at one point when McLaren issued a…

9 hours ago

Verstappen: No regrets over Red Bull's Aussie GP gamble

Max Verstappen put in a valiant effort at the Australian Grand Prix, emerging from a…

11 hours ago

Kimi’s comeback: Mercedes rookie snags P4 after penalty drama

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli marked his Formula 1 debut with a remarkable fourth-place finish at…

12 hours ago