Verstappen clinches last-lap victory over Leclerc in DNF-ridden Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Podium Finishers
P1 – VER
P2 – LEC
P3 – SAI
It was the reigning world champion Max Verstappen who crossed the line first at Jeddah on Sunday, with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc only 0.5 seconds behind.
After bluffing polesitter Sergio Perez into pitting (followed by a safety car on thanks to Nicholas Latifi’s earlier crash on Lap 16), the Monegasque driver led for the majority of the race.
Thanks to a VSC on Lap 38, Verstappen was able to get in striking distance. For the second week in a row, the two drivers battled it out in the final laps of the race, giving further hopes to the claims that following in the new cars would be easier.
Fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished a respectable P3 for the day, securing valuable points for the Italian team.
Ferrari’s perfectly timed bluff + Latifi’s untimely crash = misfortune for Checo
You had to feel for the Mexican driver, who started from pole position for the first time in his career. After a spectacular start, Red Bull fell victim to Ferrari’s pit stop bluff and pitted Perez moments before Nicholas Latifi crashed.
While Perez was slated to restart third, he ultimately gave the place to the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz after passing him exiting the pit lane during the yellow flag.
While P4 was a great finish and much needed points for Red Bull, it was definitely “tough luck” for Perez who looked prime for victory.
Best of the Rest
It was a rather lonely race for the silver arrow of George Russell, who finished P5.
Last lap action followed in suit, however, as the Alpine of Esteban Ocon edged out the McLaren of Lando Norris by 0.1 seconds in the final stretch of the race, finishing P6 and P7, respectively.
Pierre Gasly finished P8, followed by the Haas of Kevin Magnussen and a surprising P10 for seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
So. Many. DNFs.
Jeddah certainly brought the drama with several cars unable to finish the race.
The Alpha Tauri of Yuki Tsunoda stopped with a technical issue in the formation lap to the grid. Ricciardo, Bottas, and Alonso did not make the flag as well, eerily unable to finish the race on the same lap.
Why are we at Jeddah in the first place?
Safety concerns were at an all-time high beginning on Friday, with a planned missile attack taking place at the Aramco facility close to the circuit.
Following a several-hour meeting with drivers, team principals, and other powers at be, it was announced the Grand Prix would be moving forward despite lingering questions of safety from fans, personnel, and press alike.
Matters were made worse following a harrowing crash of the Haas of Mick Schumacher during qualifying which saw the driver being airlifted off the circuit. Thankfully, Mick was confirmed to be OK but understandably would not be running in the Grand Prix.
The dangerous nature of the track itself combined with the safety unknowns off the track make for a questionable choice to continue racing in Saudi Arabia.
Return to the Honeybadger’s Home Race!
Formula 1 returns in two weeks’ time to the recently renovated Albert Park. It’s been a long-awaited race for many, especially a hungry hometown hero honeybadger who has yet to secure points this season. F1 is finally back in Australia April 8th!
