- ARAB NEWS
- 28 Apr 2024
Since 1975
JEDDAH: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his second Saudi Arabian Grand Prix win in three years in devastating style at Jeddah Corniche Circuit to leave rival drivers and even team-mate Sergio Perez just wondering what they have to do to keep him in their sights, never mind challenge him for first place.
The reigning and three time-world champion started at pole ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Perez and proceeded to cruise to one of the most comfortable victories of a career already packed with crushing victories.
Perez finished in second place, 13 seconds behind Verstappen, while Leclerc grabbed third on the podium, a staggering 18 seconds in arrears.
It was a welcome victory for Red Bull, who, although as expected are enjoying a dominant start to the season on the track, have endured a turbulent one off it with Team Principal Christian Horner embroiled in controversy relating to alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
He has steadfastly denied the allegations, and the win will have given him a brief respite from the scrutiny he has faced so far this season.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly retired almost as soon as the race had started, and there was an early safety care when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll crashed out on Lap 8. McLaren’s Land Norris led briefly after the restart but it wasn’t long before Verstappen re-established his dominance, taking the lead ahead of Perez and never looking remotely like relinquishing it.
Ferrari’s 18-year-old overnight sensation Oillie Bearman, who had replaced the stricken Carlos Sainz, finished a creditable seventh position to score points at his first ever Grand Prix.
Verstappen now leads the early season standings with 51 points, with Perez on 36 and Leclerc on 28.
The night finished with fireworks lighting up the Jeddah sky.
But the most explosive performance of the night belonged to Verstappen, who already looks a certainty to win a third Formula 1 title in a row.
