Provisional starting grid GP Saudi Arabia | Verstappen set to attack

Max Verstappen will start from the second row of the grid at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on Sunday. The Dutchman did not get further than P4 during qualifying due to grip problems. Teammate Sergio Perez surprisingly managed to take pole position away from Ferrari.

Perez took the first-ever pole position of his Formula One career. He will start next to the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc on Sunday. Carlos Sainz will start next to the RB18 of Verstappen on the second row.

George Russell managed to reach Q3 unlike Lewis Hamilton, who will likely start from the pit lane after a P16 in qualifying. Toto Wolff indicated in an interview that the team will try to improve the set-up of the Mercedes, which would mean a start from the pit lane.

Haas has announced that Mick Schumacher would not take part in the race after his heavy crash during qualifying. Because a driver must participate in at least one free practice session, the team cannot use their backup driver. The drivers behind Schumacher therefore move up a place.

Daniel Ricciardo has received a three place grid penalty for impeding Esteban Ocon during qualifying. The Australian has dropped from P12 to P15. Guanyu Zhou and Lance Stroll move up a place. Hamilton also gains two places and will therefore start from P14 if he opts not to start from the pit lane.