The much-awaited Saudi Arabian GP is just around the corner and what better way to kick off the inaugural racing event than by taking a peek at the driver’s press conference pairing.

F1 often has one or the other surprise in store for the fans with their cheeky pair-ups, and they’ve managed to do it again.

Of course, this could have been the perfect time to witness Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the same room. But, that doesn’t seem to be the case, as F1 are presumably saving the best for the last and are likely to bring this pair up for the finale in Abu Dhabi.

Nevertheless, there are quite a few pairings that are indeed going to light up Thursday’s pre-race press meet in Jeddah this week; Nothing controversial just yet, but certainly fun-filled sessions.

Pairings to keep an eye out for

Well, first and foremost, the union of the two former championship rivals, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. The duo had engaged in a series of wheel-to-wheel battles during the early 2010s, partaking in memorable championship fights that went down the wire.

Then, here’s a more entertaining pair-up! Lando Norris and George Russell. Only days earlier, Russell, during a virtual fan meet, reckoned he would ‘get rid of Lando’ in a hilarious ‘love, marry, kill’ game. We’d love to hear the reaction from Norris himself and more such amusing banters that could spurt between the two.

Then arrive the meme content-providers, Kimi Raikkonen and Yuki Tsunoda. Both have produced some interesting team radio and other off-track moments. One that talks a lot and one that hardly ever talks – another pairing we’re looking forward to.

Complete Saudi Arabian GP press schedule

Driver’s press schedule:

• Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) & Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing)
• Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) & Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
• Fernando Alonso (Alpine) & Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)
• Mick Schumacher (Haas) & Nicholas Latifi (Williams)
• Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) & Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
• Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) & Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)
• Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo) & Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
• Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) & Nikita Mazepin (Haas)
• Esteban Ocon (Alpine) & Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
• Lando Norris (McLaren) & George Russell (Williams)

Constructor’s press schedule:

• Marcin Budkowski (Alpine) & Andreas Seidl (McLaren)
• Otmar Szafnauer (Aston Martin) & Guenther Steiner (Haas)

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