Kumbi-M on Cars

A ‘Need For Speed’ most fulfilled, bare-witnessing Formula 1 history in the making; STC Mobile is hosting the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in ever so hot and humid, Jeddah.

Notably- well, more like being constantly reminded, from the King Abdul Aziz International Airport welcomes you to the home of Saudi Formula 1, to everywhere in Main Village (that I’d had to take a stroll along the streets of the Al Corniche to get to), it is The Fastest Street Circuit in F1. Overwhelmed with excitement, the exhilarating feeling of hearing what from a distance, sounds like a huge swarm of bees buzzing at rocket speed. I must’ve closed all three rings on my iWatch that day; walking from one village to another, exploring the facilities and activities they had to offer, as I make my to my allocated seat. Of course, Mercedes AMG Petronas had to live up to its standards (das Beste oder nicht) and showcased the W09 EQ Power+ race car- for their Pit Stop Challenge I had to participate in. Needless to say, the first tyre I’d ever changed is one of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s most prestigious performance cars. Previous Saftey Cars were on display such as the Bentley Continental GT, and the Austin Martin DB9, which were amongst my favourite of the collection.

Approaching the South Grand Stand, there are Food Trucks, Goodie giveaway booths, and amusement parks to keep both young and old spectators entertained. One thing about Arabs (that I love) is their hospitality. I say this looking up at the Paddock; a huge building in the middle of the South end of the circuit. My envy for the guests gazing down at Practice is unfathomable. I’m quite pleased with my seat selection as I’m at the apex of the bend (seemingly the sharpest), into a very narrow straight. The first car to speed past me was Haas VF-21 occupied by Nikita Mazepin. It feels like my eardrums could burst, coupled with a mild headache. These cars are ridiculously high pitched at such close range; though regardless of how monotonous they may sound; they are different, and distinguishably so. I’m quite pleased with my seat selection as I’m at the apex of the bend (seemingly the sharpest), into a very narrow straight. The first car to speed past me was Haas VF-21 occupied by Nikita Mazepin. It feels like my eardrums could burst, coupled with a mild headache. These cars are ridiculously high pitched at such close range; though regardless of how monotonous they may sound; they are different, and distinguishably so. Every fibre of my being felt chills as the screen display showed Sir Lewis Hamilton entering the circuit in the W12; as I patiently await his moment to zoom past me feels so surreal, I can’t help but shed a tear. Despite my biased stance being an unapologetic Mercedes AMG supporter, Red Bull Racing’s RB16 took the cake for me. I’ve secretly admired Japanese manufacturing when it comes to performance engines; particularly Nissan with the GTR. The RB16 and RB16 B stand out with the shimmering matte blue with red and orange accents, Honda’s engine has a growl to it that one could easily associate with a roadworthy combustion one. Easily ticking off both performance and aesthetic boxes respectively. The showstopper was toward the last few laps of Quali, with Sir Lewis taking the lead into a win, Max running up during his last lap. Again, my south bend is notably sharp; pressed for time, there wasn’t any left for him to squander to safely enter the straight. I’d anticipated a crash on the wall towards the straight, and needless to say, it had to be Max.

The race ended dramatically as he had to walk off the circuit, though exhilarating for us on the stands seeing F1’s most controversial racers at such close range. It was now time to board the bus to the complimentary concert location. Jason Derulo was set to perform following DJ Tiesto. The stage, designed and in association with popular music festival organizers Middle-Beast; looked astounding.

For my first ‘solo trip’, this will remain the best experience by far. From being a part of history to living out any little boy, or man’s dream.