Mitch Evans relishes ‘great’ first Formula E win of the season

Mitch Evans relishes ‘great’ first Formula E win of the season
Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing celebrates winning the Monaco E-Prix in Parc Ferme. (Supplied)
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Updated 02 May 2024
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Mitch Evans relishes ‘great’ first Formula E win of the season

Mitch Evans relishes ‘great’ first Formula E win of the season
  • The Jaguar TCS Racing driver secured top spot at the Monaco E-Prix last weekend

DUBAI: Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans said it was a “great feeling” to have secured his first victory in this season’s Formula E world championship as he looks ahead to the double-header in Berlin next weekend.

Evans reigned supreme in Monaco, leading Jaguar to a dominant one-two with his team-mate, Nick Cassidy, finishing second. The result meant Evans broke his four-race streak of leading without a win.

“I’ve always been very comfortable around this track,” said Evans. “I think I’ve had around 10 podiums in different categories and never won. It was bound to happen at some point but (it) just happened a little later than what I would have liked. It was a great feeling to finally get the victory and it was a strategic and exciting race. It was an important win and (it) was good to see the checkered flag first.”

The result leaves Evans 25 points off the top but strengthens Jaguar’s grip on the constructors’ title, in which they now have a 44-point advantage.

Evans believes there is no reason why his team will not be even better throughout the rest of the season — starting in Berlin.

“The one-two here in Monaco has never been done before so really proud of the team,” he said. “We have come on the back of trickier races so to get this strong result is fantastic. It’s good for everyone’s confidence and gaining momentum and we want to keep that going.

“We’ll be going into Berlin next where last year we got a one-two, so obviously (it) would be amazing if we repeat that, but there is a new layout so there’s a few new things to learn. The race will be quite strategic from an energy point of view so we need to do some work with the team to make sure we’re well prepared. Our Gen3 car tends to suit that circuit a bit more and hopefully we can continue from Monaco.”


Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend

Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend
Updated 18 April 2025
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Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend

Top drivers geared up for Jeddah F1 weekend
  • Defending champion Max Verstappen hopes to improve on Bahrain
  • Veteran Fernando Alonso thinks ‘high-speed’ circuit suits his team

JEDDAH: Some of the world’s top drivers including Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Isack Hadjar are geared up for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this weekend.

At a press conference on Thursday, Red Bull’s Verstappen, the defending champion, said: “I hope it will be better than Bahrain (where he finished sixth), there are high-speed corners with a different asphalt.

“And I hope we will be more competitive. Here we have always done one stop but we will see how the tires hold up, it will be quite hot. We are making an improvement process.”

Aston Martin’s Alonso said: “The first few weekends have not been easy for us but I think the high-speed nature of Jeddah should suit us better.

“We are still discovering the car, the first GPs showed that the slow corners were our weak points but there were other concerns about bouncing and we are still working on it.

“Here there is much more grip and it should be a better weekend. I think in Formula 1 there is never a quick fix to solve the problems but we have some ideas, some are related to the set-up that we will try this weekend.”

Red Bull Junior Hadjar shared his excitement about racing in Jeddah: “Bahrain wasn’t as good as the previous two GPs. I don’t think our level was that low and I think this track will suit us better.

“Every track is always impressive for the first time, I think I got into the rhythm straight away and I’m looking forward to trying the track here, especially the first sector.”

Several other drivers also spoke to the media on Thursday including Williams’ Alex Albon, Haas’ Ollie Bearman and Stake’s Gabriel Bortoleto.


Young Saudi artist designs Fernando Alonso’s helmet for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Young Saudi artist designs Fernando Alonso’s helmet for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Updated 17 April 2025
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Young Saudi artist designs Fernando Alonso’s helmet for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Young Saudi artist designs Fernando Alonso’s helmet for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
  • Alonso “loved the design’s Saudi Arabian desert landscapes, which reminded him of his time competing in the Dakar Rally”

JEDDAH: Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin’s two-time Formula 1 world champion, will wear a special Saudi-inspired helmet for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit this weekend.

The design was created by Sarah Turkestani, a young Saudi artist, whose work was selected by Alonso through a nationwide competition organized as part of Aramco’s Generation 3 initiative.

The Saudi company is the main sponsor of the Aston Martin F1 team.

According to the team, Alonso “loved the design’s Saudi Arabian desert landscapes, which reminded him of his time competing in the Dakar Rally.”

Turkestani said the competition gave her the opportunity to channel her passion for art and design, while celebrating Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.

“The desert theme represents resilience and history, combined with a modern style to represent F1,” she said. “I am grateful for the chance to share my design, and I am so proud to see it on Fernando Alonso’s helmet. It’s such an honor to know he will wear it for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.”

As part of the competition, Aramco invited Saudi designers, artists, and motorsport fans to create a unique helmet design inspired by Saudi culture and national identity.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, now a key fixture on the F1 calendar, takes place on the streets of Jeddah’s Corniche Circuit, one of the fastest and longest tracks in the championship. First held in 2021, the race has quickly become a standout event for drivers and fans alike.


Verstappen ‘very relaxed’ about his F1 future

Verstappen ‘very relaxed’ about his F1 future
Updated 17 April 2025
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Verstappen ‘very relaxed’ about his F1 future

Verstappen ‘very relaxed’ about his F1 future
  • “I don’t know,” Verstappen said when asked by an Italian reporter ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix why Ferrari were not being mentioned as a possible destination
  • “I mean, honestly, a lot of people are talking about it, except me”

JEDDAH: Max Verstappen played it cool as speculation swirled around his Formula One future on Thursday, with Red Bull’s four-times world champion saying it was not on his mind and he was ‘very relaxed’.
Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko said after last Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix that the team were concerned the Dutch driver might leave at the end of the season.
Verstappen finished only sixth, a week after he won in Japan, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri winning from pole with fastest lap.
“I don’t know,” Verstappen said when asked by an Italian reporter ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix why Ferrari were not being mentioned as a possible destination as well as Mercedes and Aston Martin.


“I mean, honestly, a lot of people are talking about it, except me.
“I just want to focus on my car, work with the people in the team. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking about in Formula One at the moment. I’m very relaxed.”
Verstappen, who has a contract to 2028 with exit clauses, had led the championship for more than two years, since May 2022, until McLaren’s Lando Norris won the season-opener in Australia.
The Red Bull driver is still only eight points adrift of Norris, and third overall in the standings, but McLaren have won three of four races.
“I just keep working, keep trying to improve the car. Naturally, Bahrain wasn’t a great weekend for us. I think we were all pretty disappointed with that,” said Verstappen.
“We just keep on trying to improve the car, come up with new ideas to try on the car. The competition is tough. That’s how I go about my weeks, just trying to improve the situation.”
The Dutch driver was also asked about his manager Raymond Vermeulen reportedly shouting at Marko after the Sakhir race.
“They were having just a conversation about everything, which I think is allowed,” said the champion.
“People can always see it in their own way, how people are discussing things. But I think we were all left frustrated with the result and, of course, the things that went wrong in the race.
“I think that’s where my manager Raymond and Helmut spoke about it, and even (team boss) Christian (Horner) came along as well. So they all had a conversation. I think that should be allowed. We all care at the end of the day.
“We care about the team, we care about the people, we care about results. I think that’s quite normal.”


Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend
Updated 17 April 2025
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Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend

Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend
  • Fifth edition brings the world’s elite drivers to Saudi Arabia’s second city
  • International artists including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem and Jennifer Lopez to perform

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar. This year, in its fifth edition, the race is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans and great racing action.

F1 enthusiasts are all set for the fifth round of the championship and the final leg of F1’s first triple-header.

Fans heading to the Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — known as the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., said: “This year marks a significant milestone: our fifth consecutive F1 race at the record-breaking Jeddah Corniche Circuit, spectacularly set along the stunning Red Sea coastline.

“We are thrilled to return to our traditional Sunday race following the unique Saturday night spectacle of 2024.”

He continued: “We extend our profound gratitude to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince and prime minister … for their visionary leadership.

“Their continued support fuels our efforts to position the Kingdom as a global hub for sport and innovation.

“Our sincere thanks also go to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, whose steadfast dedication drives the success of Vision 2030.”

The race is expected to be a tough one as the McLaren driver Oscar Piastri heads to Jeddah after his emphatic win in Bahrain.

The Australian now trails championship leader Lando Norris by just three points, while Max Verstappen and Georg Russel remain behind them.

With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled to be held April 18-20, millions of motorsport enthusiasts will be turning their attention to Jeddah as teams and drivers prepare for a new race on the fastest track.

Fans will be flocking to the corniche for everything from the high-speed thrills of the race itself to a wide range of side activities. One of the most anticipated events is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fan Experience, a free daytime attraction that has already sold out for Friday and Saturday.

Beyond the on-track action, attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music and entertainment, as well as opportunities to see F1 superstars up close.

Fans can enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances from global superstars, including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Jennifer Lopez.

To make the race a success, the Saudi Ministry of Education has announced a school holiday April 20-21 for students and education staff in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif to support the race.

Since its inaugural edition in 2021, the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as a highly anticipated annual event, attracting large audiences and a significant media presence from around the world.


F1 and local organizations hold media briefing ahead of Saudi Grand Prix 2025

F1 and local organizations hold media briefing ahead of Saudi Grand Prix 2025
Updated 17 April 2025
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F1 and local organizations hold media briefing ahead of Saudi Grand Prix 2025

F1 and local organizations hold media briefing ahead of Saudi Grand Prix 2025
  • Workshop reviewed the latest preparations, updated organizational measures, and media rules and regulations for 2025 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula One race
  • Workshop also reviewed history of F1 races, acquainting participants with modus operandi of Grand Prix, points scoring in races etc.

JEDDAH: Formula One (F1) in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and Saudi Motorsports Company, organized a workshop, Thursday, for local media representatives participating in media coverage of the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025.

The workshop reviewed the latest preparations, updated organizational measures, and media rules and regulations for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, scheduled to take place from April 18-20.

The workshop, which was held at Media Island, addressed several aspects, including the mechanism of accrediting media outlets and how to conduct media interviews with racers, in addition to explaining laws of communication with participating teams and racers and ways to conduct remote interviews and the top media sources specializing in F1 coverage.

It also reviewed the history of F1 races, acquainting participants with the modus operandi of Grand Prix, explaining the points system, and an account on the teams and racers participating in the current edition and top safety measures followed in organizing the event.