Formula 1’s 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Race Review

Hours

Verstappen Unstoppable, Bearman Shines

Just a week after the Bahrain Grand Prix, fans didn’t have to wait long for the season’s second race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. This unforgiving street circuit that takes speed to new heights is the perfect stage for an unpredictable race unless Verstappen goes unchallenged. In that case, the more exciting battles will be for the rest of the podium and whatever points teams can grab. Verstappen dominated last week, and there is no doubt he is the heavy favorite to keep his winning streak alive. Carlos Sainz Jr, who had appendicitis, was forced out of qualifying, opening the door for the youngest driver ever to take the wheel in F1 history, eighteen-year-old Oliver “Ollie” Bearman. Perhaps this was a sign that the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would hold many surprises for fans and teams alike. Let’s Take a look at how the weekend unfolded.

Qualifying

Verstappen and Red Bull show no signs of slowing down, claiming the second straight pole position of the season, putting them in prime position to win yet another race. A repeat from last week has Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari in second place and plenty of drive to have a better outcome than last week. Sergio Perez qualified in third place, putting Leclerc in a problematic situation between the horns of both Red Bulls.

Fernando Alonso, the ageless wonder, sits in 4th with his Aston Martin, which adds significant pressure to all three drivers ahead of him due to his boldness and mastery of overtaking, especially during race starts. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has seen its fair share of red flags, and maybe Verstappen will fall victim to a bold move gone awry, adding an exciting twist to the race. In any case, Red Bull is heavily favored heading into Saturday night’s race.

Race Day

The race commenced with the anticipation of fierce competition, especially between the leading pack. Starting from the pole, Max Verstappen showcased his unmatched skill by maintaining the lead from the get-go, demonstrating why he’s the reigning champion. He maneuvered through the Jeddah Corniche Circuit flawlessly, never really giving a chance for those behind to catch up, and crossed the finish line first, adding another victory to his impressive tally.

Sergio Perez, starting in third, made an excellent start but found himself in a tough spot. He fought it out with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for most of the race. However, Perez’s persistence and strategic driving paid off. He secured the second spot, ensuring another one-two finish for Red Bull, reinforcing their dominance in the championship.

Charles Leclerc, facing immense pressure from the Red Bulls, managed to claim third place on the podium. His performance was a mix of defensive driving to keep Perez at bay and trying to catch up to Verstappen. Though he couldn’t overtake the Red Bulls, his podium finish marked a significant improvement for Ferrari and his standings.

Oscar Piastri, the McLaren rookie, continued to impress with his mature driving, finishing in a commendable fourth place. His performance showcased his potential as a future star and provided McLaren with valuable points, suggesting a promising season ahead for the team.

Fernando Alonso, the veteran driver for Aston Martin, finished in fifth place. His experience and aggressive driving style were evident as he navigated the challenging circuit, maintaining a competitive pace throughout the race and adding more points to his season’s tally.

George Russell in the Mercedes clinched the sixth spot, demonstrating resilience and strategic driving, holding off challenges and securing valuable points for the team, signaling Mercedes’ ongoing efforts to return to the top.

The young sensation Oliver Bearman, stepping in for Carlos Sainz, had an outstanding debut, finishing in seventh place. His performance was remarkable, as he held off seasoned drivers like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, showcasing his talent and potential in the sport.

Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, finished eighth. Despite facing tough competition, Norris’s consistent performance added crucial points to the team’s standings, underlining the team’s improvement and competitiveness this season.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, secured the ninth position. The race was challenging for Hamilton, who had to navigate traffic and manage tire strategies. Yet, he scored points for Mercedes, proving he remains a formidable competitor.

Nico Hulkenberg of the Haas F1 Team completed the top ten. His finish in the points was a significant achievement for the team, highlighting Haas’s progress and Hulkenberg’s adaptability and driving skills.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix solidified Verstappen’s lead in the championship standings, with Perez and Leclerc following. The race added an intriguing layer to the season’s narrative, highlighting Red Bull’s dominance, Ferrari’s resurgence, and the promising emergence of new talent in Oliver Bearman. As the teams and drivers reflect on the events in Jeddah, the anticipation grows for the next chapter of the 2024 season at the Australian Grand Prix on March 24th.

Saudia Arabia Grand Prix 2024 Final Standings

RANKDRIVERCOUNTRYTEAMFASTEST LAP
1MAX VERSTAPPENNETHERLANDSRED BULL1:32.608
2SERGIO PEREZMEXICORED BULL
3CHARLES LECLERCMONACOFERRARI
4OSCAR PIASTRIBRITAINMCLAREN
5FERNANDO ALONSOSPAINASTON MARTIN
6GEORGE RUSSELBRITAINMERCEDES
7OLIVER BEARMANBRITAINFERRARI
8LANDO NORRISBRITAINMCLAREN
9LEWIS HAMILTONBRITAINMERCEDES
10NIKO HULKENBERGGERMANYHAAS
11ALEXANDER ALBONTHAILANDWILLIAMS
12KEVIN MAGNUSSENDENMARKHAAS
13ESTEBAN OCONFRANCEALPINE
14LOGAN SARGEANTUNITED STATESWILLIAMS
15YUKI TSUNODAJAPANRB
16DANIEL RICCIARDOAUSTRALIARB
17VALTERRI BOTTASFINLANDSAUBER
18ZHOU GUANYUCHINASAUBER
RETIRED LAP 5LANCE STROLLCANADAASTON MARTIN
RETIRED LAP 1PIERRE GASLYFRANCEALPINE

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