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These two names are surprisingly fastest in the speed trap
Max Verstappen seems to have a big advantage for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. The Dutchman drove the fastest lap in Jeddah, but certainly did not have to compromise his top speed. For the competitors, the situation is somewhat different.
As in 2023, Red Bull Racing have also built the best car in 2024. At least at the start of the season. The RB20 is not only fast in the race, but also strong in qualifying this year. Verstappen took pole position for the Saudi Arabia GP by a margin of three tenths over Charles Leclerc.
A key weapon for Verstappen
At least to drive that fast lap, Verstappen did not have to compromise top speed. Only the Haas drivers recorded a higher speed in the Speed Trap compared to Verstappen. Nico Hulkenberg picked up a tow from his teammate, before having problems later in the lap. Since the Haas drivers are not competing at the front, Verstappen has the fastest car on the straight at the front of the field.
Lewis Hamilton was still the closest front runner to Verstappen, but the Brit is anything but happy with his W15. As a result, the Mercedes driver starts from P8. Charles Leclerc has a big deficit to Verstappen on the straight, and the Monegasque is the main challenger from P2.
Top speed obviously says nothing about actual race pace, but even that seemed very strong during the second free practice on Thursday. In that session, Verstappen showed the best long run pace on the medium tyre, the tyre everyone is expected to start on.
