It was mixed fortunes for Red Bull in today’s qualifying session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit when Sergio Pérez was fastest during qualifying but defending champion, Max Verstappen could only earn a 15th place finish in final qualification standings after reporting a problem with his car.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second quickest behind Pérez but due to a 10-place grid penalty, the Monégasque will be starting from 12th on race-day thus upgrading the third fastest during qualifying Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso to second place on the starting grid. George Russell of Mercedes completed the front row ahead of the second race of the season with his teammate Lewis Hamilton starting from 7th.
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll had an impressive qualifying and was rewarded with 5th on tomorrow’s starting grid and Alpine’s Estaban Ocon behind Stroll in 6th. Oscar Piastri of McLaren, Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Nico Hülkenberg of Haas were 8th, 9th and 10th respectively.
Max Verstappen will have it all to do as he will drive from the midfield cars on a circuit which is very tricky for drivers to navigate on top speeds.
Two time would champion will fancy his chances tomorrow but will have to be at his best if he wants to match the pace of the Red Bull.
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