In the Saudi Arabian GP’s high-octane race, Verstappen’s mastery continued, setting the stage for a season of intense rivalries and emerging talents.
One week after the season opener in Bahrain, the Formula 1 circus arrived in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the year’s second round. Reigning champion Max Verstappen continued to dominate in qualifying, clinching pole position ahead of Charles Leclerc, who once again proved formidable over a single lap. Aiming for a win, Verstappen could match Sebastian Vettel’s streak of nine consecutive victories, a feat he had already surpassed the previous year with ten straight wins. Having won 18 of the last 19 races since the Azerbaijan GP 2023, the Dutchman is the undisputed favorite for this race.
Behind the leading duo, the second row was occupied by Sergio Pérez and Fernando Alonso, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, then Mercedes’ George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll rounded out the top 10, while Ollie Bearman, stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, qualified 11th with an excellent time.
The race began with Verstappen and Pérez getting off to a good start, Verstappen blocking Leclerc and Pérez moving into second place. The opening laps saw Verstappen extend his lead, while Leclerc, Pérez, and others engaged in an intense battle. However, a crash involving Stroll brought out the safety car, bunching up the field. A variety of pit stop strategies ensued, with a botched stop for Leclerc at Ferrari and Pérez being released by Red Bull just in front of Alonso, causing tensions.
Positions fluctuated throughout the race, with Norris avoiding a penalty for a false start and Pérez receiving a penalty for an unsafe release. Verstappen continued to dominate, consistently improving the fastest lap, while Pérez and Leclerc fought for the remaining podium places.
Bearman, the young prodigy from the Ferrari Driver Academy, impressed by finishing seventh, a remarkable achievement for a last-minute substitute. Norris and Hamilton, despite strong performances, were unable to surpass the young Brit, who was voted driver of the day for his outstanding performance.
At the end of the race, Verstappen won without managing to beat Leclerc’s final fastest lap, who finished third behind Pérez, despite a penalty. Piastri finished fourth, ahead of Alonso and Russell, completing a competitive top 6.
This race not only confirmed Verstappen’s dominance in the sport but also highlighted the potential of young talents like Bearman, promising a Formula 1 season full of twists and excitement.
2024 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Race Results
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Dif | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB20 | 50 tours – 1h21m19.836s | 1 |
| 02 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB20 | +13.643 | 1 |
| 03 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari SF-24 | +18.639 | 1 |
| 04 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes MCL38 | +32.007 | 1 |
| 05 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR24 | +35.799 | 1 |
| 06 | George Russell | Mercedes W15 | +39.936 | 1 |
| 07 | Oliver Bearman | Ferrari SF-24 | +42.679 | 1 |
| 08 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes MCL38 | +45.708 | 1 |
| 09 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes W15 | +47.391 | 1 |
| 10 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas Ferrari VF-24 | +76.996 | 1 |
| 11 | Alex Albon | Williams Mercedes FW46 | +88.354 | 1 |
| 12 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas Ferrari VF-24 | +105.737 | 1 |
| 13 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine Renault A524 | +1 lap | 1 |
| 14 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB Honda RBPT VCARB 01 | +1 lap | 1 |
| 15 | Logan Sargeant | Williams Mercedes FW46 | +1 lap | 1 |
| 16 | Daniel Ricciardo | RB Honda RBPT VCARB 01 | +1 lap | 1 |
| 17 | Valtteri Bottas | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C44 | +1 lap | 2 |
| 18 | Guanyu Zhou | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C44 | +1 lap | 1 |
| 19 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR24 | DNF | 0 |
| 20 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault A524 | DNF | 1 |
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Verstappen Jeddah F1 Victory 2024. Verstappen Jeddah F1 Victory 2024
