Max Verstappen has won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix once again in a dominant fashion. Sergio Perez finished second behind his teammate, but was not a threat for the Dutchman. It was Charles Leclerc rounded off the Top 3 in the Middle East and earned a podium for Ferrari.
It was a straightforward race for Max Verstappen at the front. He only had to overtake Lando Norris after the Safety Car session, and then disappeared into the distance. Sergio Perez once again brought his Red Bull home in second place, while this time, it was Charles Leclerc who could step on the final step of the podium. The Monegasque driver also earned an additional point for the fastest lap of the race.
While he was stuck behind Lewis Hamilton for many laps, Oscar Piastri finished in a great fourth position. Fernando Alonso finished in fifth place ahead of George Russell, both drivers had an uneventful Grand Prix.
The young British driver, Oliver Bearman showed his talent on the biggest stage, completed some great maneouvres, and finished in P7 ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, the two drivers who did not pit under the Safety Car session.
Kevin Magnussen did a huge favour for his teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who finished in P10. The German also did not switch tyres early on, but did not lose out on positions as Magnussen held up the chasers behind them.
Max Verstappen got off to a good start, while his teammate, Perez was side by side with Charles Leclerc at the front. The Monegasque driver was able to hold onto his position after a tough battle with the Mexican. On Lap 4, Perez used Red Bull’s pace on the straights to his advantage and completed his move into Turn 1.
Lining up in P6, Lando Norris jumped the start, but surprisingly so, he did not receive a penalty, as the sensors determined he did not break the rules. Moreover, Pierre Gasly retired after Lap 1. The Alpine driver reported during the formation lap that he had a problem with shifting, and was ordered to enter the pit lane by his team.
On Lap 7, Lance Stroll ended up in the wall in Turn 22, and as a result, a different Aston Martin replaced the Canadian on the grid, the Safety Car. As a result, a plethora of cars entered the pit lane, except for Norris and Hamilton at the front. Perez was unsafely released during his stop, and received a five-second penalty.
The McLaren driver did well on the restart and could keep Verstappen behind. During the restart further behind on the grid, Oliver Bearman made a great move on Yuki Tsunoda, and Kevin Magnussen made contact with Alexander Albon in Sector 1. The Dane got a 10-second penalty for causing a collision. Magnussen later received another 10-second penalty for overtaking Tsunoda, as he left the track completing an ambitious move.
After the Verstappen’s new tyres warmed up, he overtook Norris, and Perez also flew past Hamilton. On Lap 15, Charles Leclerc also overtook his future teammate one fresher tyres. Three laps later, Perez also went past Norris and got back up to second place. On Lap 27, Leclerc was finally able to get past Norris.
Outside of the points-paying positions, there was a fierce battle from P12 down the rest of the grid. Tsunoda tried to overtake Magnussen on the main straight, but into Turn 2, the Japanese driver did not pay enough attention and conceded two positions to the Dane and Esteban Ocon. A couple of laps later, Alexander Albon also overtook Tsunoda.
After nearly 20 laps behind the Briton, Piastri finally had the chance to go past Hamilton on the main straight, but he locked up into Turn 1 and had to give the position back.
The two drivers who did not pit under the safety car still had to switch tyres once. Hamilton pitted on Lap 37, and Norris was fitted a set of softs a lap later to avoid an undercut. The pair of the two Britons returned to the track in P8 and P9 respectively.
On Lap 49, Daniel Ricciardo, outside of the points in P16, spun in Turn 1 as he hit the wall. The Australian could finish the race.
As a Ferrari fan I had something to cheer about! The most exciting part of the race was watching Ollie holding off Lando and Lewis! Well done toMax, but the fight for first, or actually the non-fight for first is going to take its toll on the interest in F1. I don't have the solution, but having two cars that are toying with the rest is not good for the sport!
The good news is there are 3 teams within striking distance that have the opportunity to develop their cars over the season. If any of them can make a push like McLaren did last year we could see one of those 3 really take the fight to Redbull.
My fear is that RBR saw the development ceiling of the old concept and switched to the RB20 concept with a much higher development ceiling. All the others are on the RB19 path. One of the teams needs to find at least 0.5s ( more likely 0.7s ) race pace just to start to put pressure on Max on Sundays.
I hope so Magog. Ferrari almost looks good, but Charles, who can usually hold his own against Max, finished almost 20 seconds behind him! That's a lot of catching up to do!
Damn, he spun on his own today. At this rate, Perez should have no competition for his seat next year. He might get 2 years extension if Daniel continues to perform like he did in 2 races. Seat must be given to Lawson/any upcoming talent after summer break if this continues.
Unfortunately I think he will end up in a Hass for a year or two.
A shame. It will be like Russell at Williams. Even a good race will be overlooked in a poor car.
Although you never know. When Max goes to merc, as is rumored here ad nauseum, that opens a seat for Oscar to the Red Bull along with Liam. Hulkenberg replace Bottas, Sainz replaces Zhou and Yuki goes to Aston... Musical chairs As @ MabMav might add... Disclaimer....this post may contain traces of humor or fiction,not designed to offend,but if your offended,just walk to a mirror and say Mooofassa whilst rubbing your ears and have a great evening. Lastly,don't drink and post,this is what happens.
If I were Max, I would want to switch teams sooner rather than later out of pure boredom at this point. Nice debut for Bearman, but now back to the bench like Lawson.
Super Max just in another league?? Can't wait for the beautiful national anthem ???
Another “race” without racing. Driver skill and team strategy have become largely irrelevant.
Max showing what he can do and checo second what a drive for bearman and he going have good futer in f1
No, Max did not show what he can do today. There was no need for that. He has great skill but none of it was needed today. Surely you know that. It was a boring race.
It was a snooze fest. One of the most boring races I have seen in a long while. Rumour is RB have stopped development of the RB20 and started work on the RB21. They will only bring some developments that are being finalised.
If so watch MotoGP then. Marc might fight for championship with year old Ducati. It's going to be exiting.
Divergent2 i like bike racing but i like watch the isle man tt better racing with it mate
Marc was fast today. Cool sprint race. It's gonna be a spectacular season i think
Marc was decent today on the old bike. I fear that for a main race he will not finish as well. I hope I am wrong.
Max, going to be lonely season for him in front. 9 in a row, 1 more to equal his own record of 10 in a row. ?th podium as well. Solid 2nd for Perez. Needs to extend that gap to 3rd until others get closer with upgrades. Solid 3rd for Leclerc. Superb 7th for Bearman on his first outing with Ferrari with no preparation time. That was some exciting racing between McLarens and Hamilton. Valuable 1 point for Hulk/Haas, courtesy of Kevin.
Congrats to Max and RB for another great race. There was nice racing from Mag and all the drivers behind him. Nice race for LeClerc, getting on the podium Nice race for Bearman
Congratulations to Red Bull for another 1-2! Managed to keep the off track distractions away from the race. What a race by Bearman, simply outstanding debut!! Makes one question Ferrari's choices for 2025.