Who will win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix? World champion Max Verstappen starts the big race to catch up from 15th place. “Oldie” Fernando Alonso has his sights set on his 100th Formula 1 podium. We report live – see ticker below.
Here’s the LIVETICKER: Cheering in one of the two Red Bull Racing pits after qualifying – but not in the expected one: it was Sergio Perez’s mechanics who celebrated pole position! The Mexican had his first pole in Jeddah last year and his second yesterday. Team colleague Max Verstappen, on the other hand, had to retire early …… because the world champion had clearly dominated the first part of qualifying, and the shock followed in the second: Suddenly after turn 10, the engine roared. Verstappen was able to save himself in the pits, but had to park the car there – it was the first time since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix that the Dutchman missed the third qualifying part, so today he only starts from 15th place. “There were no signs of the problem. I think it was just bad luck,” the two-time world champion took the drive shaft defect calmly, “our car should actually be fast in the race – I probably won’t fight for victory, but hopefully I’ll score a decent amount of points.” His colleague Perez, on the other hand, was out dem Häuschen: “That second lap in the last section was amazing, it feels extreme on this track!” Today the 33-year-old is fighting for the fifth win of his career. And also has the backing of team boss Chris Horner: “I’m very happy for Checo!” Weakness eliminated However, Perez has ex-world champion Fernando Alonso breathing down his neck, who started second place because of the relegation of Ferrari star Charles Leclerc (new control unit). starts: “It’s been a good weekend so far,” grins the Aston Martin driver, already third at the start of the season, “qualifying was still our weakness in Bahrain, but our car has felt good here so far.”
