But who will stop Max Verstappen this season? Even badly embarked, the reigning double world champion manages to outdo himself and fight to the end for the final victory. Starting in 15th position on the grid due to a problem during Q2 with his broken gearbox, the Red Bull driver made a crazy comeback and finished second behind his teammate Sergio Pérez, who started in pole position, and the young George Russell (Mercedes). The Dutchman signs his second podium after his success at the Bahrain GP and keeps the lead in the World Championship. “We had a significant margin over our competitors, explains Verstappen. Second is a great way to come back, I knew I could get the fastest lap point and I went for it. »
Verstappen needed just 24 laps to get on the podium, easily passing Russell on the final corner. He also multiplied the best times on the Circuit of Jeddah, thus approaching Sergio Pérez. But the Mexican, who had been surprised by Alonso during the start, finally resisted and signed his fifth victory in Formula 1.
And if all eyes were on Verstappen, Fernando Alonso thought he had his miracle. At the wheel of his Aston Martin, the 41-year-old driver, who had already finished third in the first Grand Prix of the season, did it again in Saudi Arabia, thus climbing to his 100th career podium. “What a start to the season, it was unimaginable a month ago. But the team did a great job. The Red Bulls are out of reach but the others are behind us. However, the joy was short-lived as the Spaniard received ten penalty points after the race. He therefore leaves his place on the podium to George Russell.
No miracle for Leclerc
Starting in twelfth position after being penalized ten places on the grid due to an engine change, Charles Leclerc did not manage to reverse the balance. However, the Monegasque had started his race well, making a good comeback and gaining five places during the first eleven laps. In the duel with Verstappen for fifth place, the Ferrari driver fell back to seventh place and did not move. On the French side, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished 8th and 9th respectively.