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Verstappen Jeddah F1 Victory 2024

Verstappen Dominates in Jeddah’s F1

09/03/2024

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.DriverTeamDifStops
01Max VerstappenRed Bull Honda RBPT RB2050 tours – 1h21m19.836s1
02Sergio PérezRed Bull Honda RBPT RB20+13.6431
03Charles LeclercFerrari SF-24+18.6391
04Oscar PiastriMcLaren Mercedes MCL38+32.0071
05Fernando AlonsoAston Martin Mercedes AMR24+35.7991
06George RussellMercedes W15+39.9361
07Oliver BearmanFerrari SF-24+42.6791
08Lando NorrisMcLaren Mercedes MCL38+45.7081
09Lewis HamiltonMercedes W15+47.3911
10Nico HülkenbergHaas Ferrari VF-24+76.9961
11Alex AlbonWilliams Mercedes FW46+88.3541
12Kevin MagnussenHaas Ferrari VF-24+105.7371
13Esteban OconAlpine Renault A524+1 lap1
14Yuki TsunodaRB Honda RBPT VCARB 01+1 lap1
15Logan SargeantWilliams Mercedes FW46+1 lap1
16Daniel RicciardoRB Honda RBPT VCARB 01+1 lap1
17Valtteri BottasStake F1 Kick Sauber C44+1 lap2
18Guanyu ZhouStake F1 Kick Sauber C44+1 lap1
19Lance StrollAston Martin Mercedes AMR24DNF0
20Pierre GaslyAlpine Renault A524DNF1

Verstappen Jeddah F1 Victory 2024. Verstappen Jeddah F1 Victory 2024

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