The fastest of free practice 1 in the afternoon in 1 min 29 sec 786/1000, the seven-time world champion lowered his time to 1 min 29 sec 18/1000 during the second night session, the only representative qualifying and race conditions.

Hamilton edged Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas by 61/1000, Frenchman Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) by 81/1000 and Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), championship leader but only 4th, 195/1000.

The Alpine of the Spanish Fernando Alonso and the French Esteban Ocon, the Ferrari of the Spanish Carlos Sainz Jr, the AlphaTauri of the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, the Red Bull of the Mexican Sergio Pérez and the Ferrari of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc complete the Top 10 of EL2.

Results to be balanced because the Mercedes riders were wearing medium tires, which were slower on one lap than the soft tires of their rivals, and because the traffic slowed more than one rider on this narrow track.

Converting his advantage in qualifying on Saturday at 8 p.m. local (6 p.m. French) then in a race on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (6.30 p.m.) will be crucial for Hamilton as Verstappen has a first chance to win this weekend.

Verstappen for the title

The Dutchman can win his first title in the premier category of motorsport, at the end of the 21st and penultimate round of the season, if he increases his lead in the championship from at least 8 to 26 lengths.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen puts on his helmet for the 2nd free practice session of the Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah, December 3, 2021 ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP

This means scoring 18 points more than the Briton, at a minimum.

For that, the 24-year-old driver would have to finish 1st or 2nd Sunday (which, barring an incident, is within his reach) and his 36-year-old rival would have to stumble (which is less likely).

On the contrary, a victory with the fastest lap would allow the Mercedes driver to equalize in the standings if Verstappen was 2nd or to take the lead if he did less well.

However, on paper, the Jeddah Corniche circuit favors the Silver Arrows.

This long route should highlight their top speed.

On Friday night, neither of the two main protagonists of the season was fully satisfied.

“We are not fast on one lap compared to the others, estimated Hamilton. But our race pace was not bad, so who knows? (...) We are not in a bad position but there is a bit working. "

"We had trouble getting our tires up to temperature (...) and we made a few changes between the two practice sessions which didn't work out. But I hope we will find the right settings for the + qualifs + ", reacted Verstappen.

Leclerc in the wall

With, a priori, few opportunities to overtake in the race, the positions on the starting grid could be crucial.

Surprisingly, on a circuit that the pilots are taking for the first time and which, between high speeds and very close walls, looked tricky, few let themselves be taken.

They were all good in free practice 1. In FP2, Haas drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin scared each other.

Then, five minutes from time, Leclerc, spinning at high speed on turn 23, hit the safety barriers.

Result, a damaged single-seater but no change of chassis or engine in sight and a driver unscathed.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton with a rainbow helmet after the first free practice of the Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah, December 3, 2021 ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP

By hosting F1, like more and more sporting and cultural events in recent years, Saudi Arabia continues its campaign to improve its international image and diversify its oil economy.

Its detractors accuse it of "sportwashing", that is to say of using these major events to make people forget its breaches of human rights.

© 2021 AFP