Drivers Need to “Respect Each Other” at the High-Risk, Thrilling Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a heart-pounding race that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. However, for the drivers, it’s a different story—one filled with inherent risks due to limited run-off areas and visibility. In an interview with Motorsport.com in Saudi Arabia, Pierre Gasly shared his thoughts about the track’s delicate balance between high-risk action and exciting racing.

The Frenchman’s Perspective on the Track Layout and Safety

As a racing driver, I must say you’re more focusing on the track layout itself, and I’m probably less so focused on the safety aspect of it,” Gasly explained. “Yes, it is very high speed, the walls are very close, from the track, you have kind of poor visibility.” Over the years, some changes have been made to improve the track, but as Gasly admitted, there will always be a level of concern regarding safety in Formula 1.

Over the years, there have been some changes which did improve [it]. But then at the end of the day it’s also F1, and there will always be a safety concern in some ways. So, it’s not something that’s really in the back of my head and I’m just going out there knowing that I got a strong car, I’m in control of what I do and I’m feeling safe when I’m in my car. That’s all I can control, and it does feel like we’re not in a bad place here, but for sure, there are other tracks which bring a bit more safety to it.

Gasly Responds to Esteban Ocon’s Comments on Jeddah’s Risks

Gasly’s former team-mate, Esteban Ocon, described Jeddah as a “very risky track in a lot of different ways. You are quite blind in many corners, you need to take risks getting close, you know, at crazy speed.” In response, Gasly said, “That’s quite a big statement. All I can say is, the least amount of cars you’ve got in front of you, the safer it is. So, all I’m focused on is trying to qualify as further up the road as I can.

Gasly on the ‘Extra Reward’ at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

When asked if the extra risk at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was accompanied by ‘extra reward,’ Gasly responded, “For me, I get a lot of adrenaline going around here, you run high, especially on this first sector. I think it’s racing is OK. The only part which is not very comfortable is more like whenever people come in a slow lap when you are pushing and the fact that you have this poor visibility, sometimes you come very fast and you’ve got a very short time to actually react so I think it’s all down to us.

Gasly on Respecting Each Other on the Track

We know the place is as it is, it’s down to us to be careful in that aspect, to respect each other and give the right space to each other. I think as long as everybody behaves accordingly, then it’s completely safe.

Photos from Saudi Arabian GP – Thursday