Formula One fans celebrated Lewis Hamilton's victory in the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix held on the shores of Jeddah on Sunday evening.
The race on the street circuit under the lights in Jeddah featured three standing starts, a pair of restarts, multiple safety cars, and an intense back-and-forth between the title contenders.
Hamilton won despite crashing into the back of Max Verstappen at one point during a race in which the Dutchman twice had to cede a position to the Mercedes driver that he had gained illegally.
"It was such an exciting and scary experience - from the moment Mick Schumacher crashed to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen clashing, it was so intense. We saw a racecar being towed away, sparks flying ... we're just happy no one was hurt and my favourite Hamilton won!" said Abdul Aziz, a jubilant fan at the race in Jeddah.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Formula One Group chief executive Stefano Domenicali on the starting grid before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP -
British driver Lewis Hamilton stands for the national anthem on the grid before the Saudi Arabia GP, with Prince Mohammed in the background. Getty -
Prince Mohammed on the grid before the race. Getty -
Prince Mohammed bin Salman is shown around the grid by Mr Domenicali and FIA president Jean Todt before the race. Getty -
Prince Mohammed, Mr Domenicali and Mr Todt. Getty -
Prince Mohammed before the race. Reuters -
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Photo: SPA -
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to begin. Photo: SPA -
Prince Mohammed waves to the crowd at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Photo: SPA -
Prince Mohammed and officials wave to the crowd. Photo: SPA -
Prince Mohammed bin Salman is shown around the grid by Mr Domenicali and FIA president Jean Todt before the race. Getty -
Prince Mohammed bin Salman before the race. Getty
An overjoyed crowd welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who made a surprise appearance at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
"We were screaming in excitement and all of us were applauding the man who is the reason all of this is possible," said Mohammed Irfan.
"My friends, family, and country are able to host this world championship because of his vision and resolve - to make this happen in only eight months. This honestly was the highlight of the evening for me, apart from the race."
The race concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and fans cheering from the grandstands. "It was magical. My husband and kids - all of us decked out in Mercedes merch, enjoyed every bit of it. I saw helicopters take VIPs, there was Akon and David Guetta there too, and there was so much happening I had the best time," said Nada Akeel, another racegoer.
Many foreigners and nationals said the new changes are part of Vision 2030 and that they are looking forward to more sporting events being held in the kingdom.
"My sister and brother both want to be part of F1 and race cars. They joined the young Saudi Stars programme and are so excited to be participating in e-karting activities," said Maha Ahmed.
Hamilton is now level on points with Red Bull rival Verstappen on 369.5 points meaning that next week's final race of the season in Abu Dhabi is a winner-takes-all.
Preparations for the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP
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Workers clean Yas Marina Circuit's main grandstand ahead of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. Victor Besa / The National -
Workers get the grandstand ready for the grand prix that will be held from December 9 to 12. Victor Besa / The National -
A worker oversees the clean-up operation. Victor Besa / The National -
The UAE flag adorns Abu Dhabi Hill at the circuit. Victor Besa / The National -
This year's grand prix takes place just after the UAE celebrates its 50th National Day. Victor Besa / The National -
Thumbs up: the finishing touches are being made to the circuit. Victor Besa / The National -
Yas Marina Circuit is set to welcome thousands of fans. Victor Besa / The National -
Workers apply paint to the tarmac. Victor Besa / The National -
The UAE flag is painted on Abu Dhabi Hill. Victor Besa / The National -
The Yas Marina Circuit has been the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Victor Besa / The National -
Paint is mixed before it's applied to the track. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
The Roadgrip Company paints the track using a special machine. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Gallons of paint arrive at the track. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National -
The turquoise Yas Marina Circuit logo is applied to the track. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
