Hamilton takes inaugural Saudi Arabia victory over Verstappen in controversial Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
P1 – HAM
P2 – VER
P3 – BOT
Heartbreak for Verstappen in Qualifying
Title hopeful Max Verstappen was on a seriously epic final flying lap in Q3 on Saturday. He was recording purple sectors until the final corner where he crashed into the barriers.
It would have been a crucial pole position for the Dutch driver, who was clearly pushing his Red Bull beyond the limit. A disappointing end for Verstappen, but with all to play for on Sunday starting in P3.
Drama From Lights to Flag
Polesitter Lewis Hamilton led teammate Bottas and rival Verstappen at lights out. Following Mick Schumacher’s crash on Lap 10, Verstappen benefitted and got a free pit stop under red flag conditions.
Following the standing restart on Lap 15, Verstappen went wide off the first chicane, cutting across Hamilton who was down in P3 behind the unsuspecting Alpine of Esteban Ocon.
It was drama all over the grid as collisions between Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, along with Nikita Mazepin and George Russell, caused yet another red flag in the race.
Both Mercedes and Red Bulls pit walls were seemingly bargaining with the stewards for their driver, with Verstappen ultimately Ocon leading the front from Hamilton (P2) and Verstappen (P3).
Verstappen used his new medium tires to propel him into the lead at the restart, as Hamilton and Ocon swapped twice behind him.
The circuit proved to be an intense one as three virtual safety cars were out between Laps 28-36.
By Lap 36, Hamilton was in DRS range of Verstappen. The Dutchman braked late, going wide at Turn 2 and subsequently gaining the lead. After being instructed to give the place back to Hamilton, Verstappen slowed in front of an unsuspecting Hamilton who clipped his front right wing.
The battle was far from over, however, with Hamilton closing in on his rival on Lap 42. After another close call between the two, Verstappen was slapped with a five-second penalty.
Podium Finishers
Hamilton regained the lead on Lap 43, going on to take the victory and bonus point for the fastest lap of the race.
Surely a disappointing P2 finish for the Dutch driver, who enters Abu Dhabi equal on points with Hamilton after a victorious three races.
Heartbreakingly, Esteban Ocon lost out on the podium to the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas in the final seconds of the race.
Best of the Rest
The McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo finished a respectable P5 after starting P11 at the start. Pierre Gasly managed P6 despite a rocky start, largely thanks to the second race restart.
The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were just behind, ending P7 and P8.
The Alfa Romeo of Antonio Giovinazzi finished P9, ahead of Lando Norris.
Looking Ahead
It’s set to be a historic end to the season next weekend as Hamilton and Verstappen head into Abu Dhabi equal on points. Will it be Verstappen’s first title, or Hamilton’s record-breaking eighth?
