Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi F1 fans watch Lewis Hamilton light up Saudi Arabian GP

Hamilton's win means title will be decided at season-ending Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next Sunday

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with second placed Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the background, on Sunday, December 5, 2021. AP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, December 5. AFP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tussle for the lead. Getty

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton compete for the lead. AP

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the race. Getty

Drivers take the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on December 5, 2021. AFP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads at the start of the race. AFP

Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

Jets release smoke as they perform an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

A jets performs during an air display over the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. AFP

Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP

Jets perform an air display over the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. AFP

Drivers and team members pay tribute to the late founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, Frank Williams who died a week before the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton looks at the trophy prior to the start of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen before the race. Reuters

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr before the race. Reuters

Drivers stand and take a knee on the starting grid prior to the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. AFP

Drivers race during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Street Circuit. AP

Mechanics work on the car of McLaren driver Lando Norris in the pits. AFP

Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly during the race. AFP

Mick Schumacher's Haas after crashing. Getty

Haas driver Mick Schumacher after crashing. Getty

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon competes in the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. AFP

Race marshals remove the car of Williams driver George Russell after a crash. AFP

A race marshal assists Haas driver Mick Schumacher after his crash. AFP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP

Lewis Hamilton speaks with team members during a second stop in the race. AFP

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez leaves his car after a collision. AFP

Sergio Perez after crashing. AFP

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.

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

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