Provisional starting grid Saudi Arabia GP | Mercedes must defend Verstappen

Due to a costly mistake in his last flying lap, Max Verstappen will not start from pole, but from third place in Saudi Arabia. With that, he gave Lewis Hamilton the best starting position as a present.

Still, Verstappen thinks he is in a good position to attack Mercedes. However, he must hope that his gearbox is not so damaged that it needs to be replaced. There was just a new one in there, so a change would mean a grid penalty of five places.

Hamilton will therefore start the race from pole, while wingman Valtteri Bottas will try to provide him with the necessary support. Verstappen will also hopefully be able to count on the help of his teammate. Sergio Perez struggled to get going on Friday but showed he can be fast on Saturday. He will start from P5, and will have to outsmart Charles Leclerc to close the gap to his teammate.

1. Lewis Hamilton
2. Valtteri Bottas

3. Max Verstappen

4. Charles Leclerc

5. Sergio Perez

6. Pierre Gasly

7. Lando Norris

8. Yuki Tsunoda

9. Esteban Ocon

11. Daniel Ricciardo

13. Fernando Alonso

15. Carlos Sainz

17. Sebastian Vettel

18. Lance Stroll

19. Mick Schumacher

20. Nikita Mazepin