Saudi Arabian GP to focus on sustainability and recycling

F1 race in kingdom will aim to reduce usage of single-use plastics

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit during the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Getty

Next weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will have another area of focus apart from delivering a world-class F1 race - sustainability.

The Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), promoters of the STC Saudi Arabian GP 2023, have announced their commitment to ensure event waste is reused, recycled, or composted to help deliver the kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability mandate.

The plan is to reduce single-use plastic usage and deliver a waste recycling system for plastic, paper, glass, electronic and medical waste.

The race in Jeddah will have separate bins for various waste types with clear signage and identifiable colour coding across high footfall areas of the paddock, paddock club, hospitality venues, media and broadcasting centre.

SMC will have their own team to oversee the process and will conduct a comprehensive audit report at the end of the F1 race.

It should set the stage for an exhilarating race in the kingdom next week. World champion Max Verstappen claimed his maiden season-opening victory and first at the Sakhir circuit when he led Sergio Perez home in a dominant Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The defending double world champion led from start to finish, bar the pit stops, to establish himself as a strong favourite for a third consecutive drivers' crown this year.

It was his first win in the Gulf state at the 10th attempt.

Behind the two Red Bulls, two-time champion Fernando Alonso, 41, stormed his way to a rousing third place for Aston Martin in his first appearance with the team since succeeding the retired four-time champion Sebastian Vettel.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates after winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Getty

Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. Reuters

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez completed a one-two for Red Bull while veteran driver Fernando Alonso also made it to the podium. Getty

Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the Bahrain Grand Prix. PA

Max Verstappen during a pit stop in Bahrain on Sunday. EPA

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton battled hard in Sakhir. AFP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Getty

Max Verstappen of Red Bull at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday. Getty

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the Bahrain GP. Reuters

Bernie Ecclestone at the Bahrain International Circuit. Getty

Geri Horner walks in the paddock. Getty