2024-03-09 06:05:05
Max Verstappen in Red Bull won the second qualification of this year’s Formula 1 season and will take the first place on the starting grid of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
Alongside the reigning world champion, Charles Leclerc with Ferrari, who was slower by 319 thousandths of a second, will strive for the best possible start. Both rivals will occupy the first row for the fifth time in a row.
The second row will be occupied by Sergio Pérez in the second Red Bull and Fernando Alonso with an Aston Martin.
Unexpected newcomer Oliver Bearman attracted the most attention. The Brit learned today just a few hours before today’s practice that he will replace Carlos Sainz Junior at the wheel of Ferrari.
The Spaniard, who went to both training sessions yesterday, was affected by acute appendicitis and could not go. Only 18-year-old Briton, currently racing in F2, fought with honor with the new challenge.
He missed the top 10 by only 36 thousandths of a second. “This part was chaotic, I’m sorry about that,” Bearman reported on the team radio, referring to the interruption of the second stage of qualifying due to the retired Haas car.
Nico Hülkenberg’s car stopped running and the German had to stop it on the track of the city circuit.
The Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia takes place on Saturday at 18:00 CET. The race has been moved from its traditional Sunday date due to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which begins on March 10.
Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Formula One World Championship race in Jeddah:
1. Verstappen (Niz./Red Bull) 1:27.472, 2. Leclerc (Mon./Ferrari) -0.319, 3. Pérez (Mex./Red Bull) -0.335, 4. Alonso (Šp./Aston Martin) – 0.374, 5. Piastri (Austr./McLaren) -0.617, 6. Norris (Brit./McLaren) -0.660.