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World champion Max Verstappen (25) dominated all three training sessions in Saudi Arabia. His 22nd pole position was ready to be picked up. But his Red Bull-Honda did not participate in the second part of qualifying: broken drive shaft. He starts from position 15.
Despite the accident with Verstappen, the Bulls cheered under the spotlight of Jeddah after qualifying: teammate Sergio Pérez (32) “inherited” his second best starting position in 237 races. “Normally I would hardly have beaten Max,” the Mexican openly admitted.
Pérez already took pole in Jeddah last year
Pérez had taken his first pole position in the same place – in 2022. At that time he finished fourth behind Verstappen, Sainz and Leclerc in the dangerous “snake cage” on the Red Sea: “Because a safety car phase cost me victory!”
Does Verstappen have a chance of his 37th GP victory from 15th on the grid? “It will be very difficult, but that is racing. I’m looking forward to this challenge!”
How far will Verstappen go forward?
Shortly after the start at 18:00 CET (TV live), two cars disappear into the back of the bull for the Flying Dutchman: Zhou (11th) and Bottas (14th) with the C43 from Hinwil.
Two weeks ago at the start in Bahrain, there were places 12 and 13. In the end, the Finn scored four points in eighth place. The Chinese, this time faster than Valtteri, was able to lose the extra point in 16th place with the fastest race lap Alpine (Gasly).
Old master Alonso inherits front row space
It’s even harder to get points today. Alpine has recovered from the low point and McLaren-Mercedes sees light in the tunnel again. Aston Martin’s green monsters are still in the spotlight: Alonso got the front row on the grid as his penalty dropped Leclerc to 12th. Like Verstappen, he also believes in a few World Cup points in Jeddah.
Team-mate Sainz will start alongside Russell from the second row, Alonso-Partner-Stroll waiting with Ocon behind. An accident could happen on this route for the first time in 2023! Row four: Hamilton (38) next to newcomer Piastri (21). The generational duel with Mercedes power!
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
