It’s always sunny in Saudi
SAUDI ARABIA GP by Charlie
Well, 2024 definitely got off to a great start for me, coordinating my first F1 race of 2024 in Saudi. A race that I was initially apprehensive about due to the large cultural differences in comparison to the UK, turned out to be both great fun and very successful!
As a sun lover I am always happy to be sent out to the super-hot races; however even I was caught out by the high UV levels and definitely came back a few shades darker (or should I redder) than when I left!
I was fortunate enough to build a very strong bond with the teams at the hire companies within Saudi. They were incredibly hospitable and took me out to explore the local culture and cuisine while I was out there; and wow the food is good - I can’t say exactly what I ate, but whatever it was, it was good! Everyone was so helpful and kind, which really helped us work together to make sure all clients were catered for and looked after. It made for a very pleasurable experience!
It wasn’t all plain sailing however with an unusual number of breakdowns than I was used to. The burning heat in Saudi plus the ‘to be expected’ human errors meant we experienced 10 vehicles in total with flat batteries across the whole event! This presented some logistical challenges with getting replacement vehicles into the circuit and the broken-down vehicles out, but we came, and we conquered!
Driving in Saudi Arabia is something pretty unique; I think the best way to describe it is a mix between playing Grand Theft Auto & the first lap of a motorsport race! After a few days of driving, I had started to get used to the aggression needed; however, once the offer of my own chauffeur arose, that was game over - my car didn’t move until the day I flew home!
With over 400 vehicles rented & 35 teams looked after I was super happy with the event overall; it has been so nice to get some amazing feedback from our clients as well! With lots learnt to take forwards but also some great memories made! Roll on Miami in a few weeks to do it all again!