Sebastian Vettel RETURNS to racing! 2025 SAUDI ARABIAN GP

Recently, I found myself at a go-kart track in Jeddah, where the legendary Sebastian Vettel was supporting young women drivers during his Race4Women event.

Seeing all those smiling faces was heartwarming. The joy of being seen and celebrated is invaluable, especially in a country where motorsport is just beginning to flourish for women. For now, this event is a celebration of the positive changes that have occurred over the years, but there’s so much more to be done!

Hearing the stories of why these young women are getting into racing is incredibly inspiring. Many expressed their passion for the sport and their determination to prove that girls can race just as hard as anyone else. And let me tell you, they were competitive—keeping up with them was a challenge!

Women have only been allowed to drive on the roads in Saudi Arabia since 2017, making their participation in motorsport an even more significant milestone. This event was a fantastic opportunity for them to take to the track, and I genuinely hope they continue to excel.

It was fantastic to see Sebastian in action, passionate and focused as he drove alongside these budding racers. His presence undoubtedly made a lasting impact on many of the young women there.

Also present was Britta, Seb’s manager, who I hadn’t seen since Suzuka. She seemed delighted with how the day unfolded, and it was great to catch up with her.

Now, let’s shift gears a bit. During the media day for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, I noticed Alex Albon sporting a piece of twine around his wrist, which he explained came from a Buddhist temple in Milton Keynes, home to Red Bull Racing.

Reflecting on the past year, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since Oliver Bearman had his first race start here. He filled in for Carlos Sainz, who fell ill, and now he’s a full-time driver with Haas, thriving in his role.

Jack Doohan brought some light-hearted banter to the media day. His social media team jumped in with questions, and he cheekily reminded them to say hello first. It was a fun moment that showcased his personality.

Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly was quite animated, enjoying the atmosphere. Speaking of drivers, Lewis Hamilton’s recent fashion choices have sparked some conversation. He was spotted in Ferrari gear, which has raised eyebrows among fans.

Lando Norris has taken the fashion crown among drivers, showing off a stunning jacket from Freddie Hunt’s company, a nod to his legendary father, James Hunt. Freddie shared that he gifted the jacket to Lando for good luck!

In terms of the betting odds for the World Drivers’ Championship, Oscar Piastri is now a favourite, which is a significant shift. Max Verstappen’s odds are also worth noting as we gear up for the race.

During the paddock interviews, Charles Leclerc shared some joyful moments with Martin Brundle, ahead of the Grand Prix. It’s always great to see drivers engaging with the media and fans.

Looking ahead, it wouldn’t surprise me if Saudi Arabia eventually hosts two races. There’s a lot of investment in motorsport here, and it’s clear that money talks in the world of sports.

As with every race, the drivers’ names are displayed above their garages in both English and Arabic, which enhances the cultural experience of the event. The signage is quite beautiful and adds a unique touch to the atmosphere.

Interestingly, many fans noticed that the Ferrari red seemed to have a pink hue this time around. Upon investigation, it turns out the organisers are responsible for the signage colour, not Ferrari itself.

From the eighteenth floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, the view of the track is stunning, albeit expensive. Rooms here can go for around $3,000 a night during the Grand Prix weekend!

As Jeddah gears up for future development, the city is set to become a major tourist destination by 2030, with numerous five-star hotels planned. While the summer heat can be unbearable, the current weather is quite pleasant.

On my flight from Bahrain, I shared the space with F1 drivers Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri. It was a quick trip through immigration, and I was pleasantly surprised by how efficiently the process went—just thirty seconds!

Finally, as I made my way to the Shangri-La Hotel, I found it interesting to see who stays in such luxury accommodations. Typically, it’s not the mechanics or engineers, but rather team principals and a few select drivers.

That’s a wrap on my experience here in Jeddah. Remember, it’s all about staying passionate and enjoying every moment in this thrilling world of F1!

Sebastian Vettel RETURNS to racing! 2025 SAUDI ARABIAN GP

KYM ILLMAN

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