Lewis Hamilton has been dealt a title blow as the Saudi GP remains a doubt for the season.
Hamilton has three races to overturn a 14-point deficit to his title rival. Should he manage to pull it off, a record eighth title will be added to his collection, along with a piece of history.
The seven-time world champion took a dominant victory in Brazil, and has the Middle East triple-header in his sights. Three wins in three races will guarantee him the championship. His car will be the favourite on the straight-heavy GCC tracks.
However, he may have one less of those favourable tracks to look forward to. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is approaching its final stages of preparation, but there is a growing worry that it may not be ready in time. This could lead to the entire race being called off, something that will not be ideal for the British Knight.
Hamilton could have been dealt a title blow, as the Saudi GP remains a doubt for the season.
F1 sporting director Steve Nielsen told Autosport, “They’re up against it, they are.
“But they’re literally working 24/7 as they have been for quite a long time now. I saw some more photos this morning, and they’ve made huge progress. But still a lot to do.
“So it really is going to be down to the wire. But they’ll get it done. It’s an ambitious project, it will be a great facility.”
No need to worry
F1 Race Director Michael Masi assured fans that it will be approved in time, and said that all three races will proceed as planned.
“It was always going to be very close. There’s no doubt about that,” Masi said.
“Everything that I’ve seen, the progress day-on-day and week-on-week has been amazing since I was there last, and I’m looking forward to having a look on Tuesday.”
Read more: Mercedes examination reveals FIA got it wrong in penalising Hamilton in qualification