Inside Line: This is why Joe Saward is the best F1 journo of this era

It's arguably not the done thing to credit or shill for someone who works for 'rival' websites (and probably thinks little of us) but Joe is special and can write/say what he likes. I have been a long time reader of his public Blog.

It's essential reading, coupled with his never-ending knowledge of the history of our sport, he has educated and inspired me personally no end for over a decade now. How do you thank someone for those previous gifts?

Jeddah is, was and will always be a hot potato in the current political climate, F1 whoring itself for the 'greater buck' rather than the 'greater good' is clear for all to see.

The manner in which Joe tackles the topic in his post is a top-class read, fearless journalism to call out the event for what it is, in his inimitable style.

Is it just me or does this guy really write beautifully about our sport?

Whatever the case, here is an extract from Joe's legendary and unmissable Green Notebook, reporting on his jaunt in Jeddah: "F1 is in Saudi Arabia for one reason alone. We can pretend otherwise if we wish to be delusional, but the truth is that we are in Jeddah because the Saudis pay more than other places.

"A lot more. A shed-load more. F1 doesn’t talk about who pays what, but the biggest paying races each year are in the Middle East and Asia, and Saudi seems to pay the biggest fee these days, although perhaps Qatar has gone beyond that. There is also a major global partnership with Saudi Aramco.

"Ultimately, the actual numbers are not important, but one must understand that most of the decisions made are liable to be swayed by the impressive number of noughts on the F1 bank statements...."

As I said it is a riveting, honest and brave report by the who I believe is the best F1 Messenger of this era; take that from me, and thank you Joe Saward. Go read it>>>