How Friday F1 practice unfolded for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Formula 1 heads to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for the first time in its history with the title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton finely poised at the top.

Just eight points separate Verstappen and Hamilton with two rounds remaining in 2021.

The Dutchman could take the title this weekend should results go his way but given Mercedes' impressive run of form in recent rounds, a title decider in Abu Dhabi looks more likely.

The circuit itself poses a unique challenge given that it is a high-speed street circuit. 

Outside the top two, just 13 points separate Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the race for third in the drivers' championship, and no doubt, both drivers will have a significant role to play.

In the constructors', Mercedes leads Red Bull by five points, while Ferrari is 39.5 ahead of McLaren in the fight for third.

Alpine is 25 clear of AlphaTauri, while Williams is 13 ahead of Alfa Romeo.