Another Red Bull 1-2. Max climbs to 2nd, Perez wins.
Max Verstappen saved a possible catastrophe by managing to finish in 2nd place today, during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite starting in 15th, he quickly moved up the grid and was able to not only secure a podium finish, but also guarantee his 1st position in the Drivers’ Championship by snatching the fastest lap time from his teammate ‘Checo’ Perez on the last lap of the race.
Red Bull once again proves that they are in a league of their own. Their pace is simply too fast for the rest of the teams. Perez managed to keep his teammate at bay due to his incredible driving. This buried any speculation of team orders. For a moment, ‘Checo’ was told to lap mid 35s whilst his teammate was evidently doing faster laps than that. The Mexican driver quickly understood what the radio message implied, and asked about Max’s pace. Later on, he was told that he was ‘free to push’.
Red Bull did not want to risk anything because Max was complaining of a high-pitched buzzing, fearing his driveshaft was failing. The team reassured Max that nothing was happening, and that they were monitoring the situation closely. Max naturally started to lift off a little to avoid overstressing the car.
Once all his fears were appeased, Max pushed during the last lap to secure the fastest time, and in consequence, the extra point given for the feat. This will keep Max Verstappen as leader of the Drivers’ Championship. Red Bull is mitigating any possible consequence that the 10% less wind tunnel time can cause later during the championship.
Alonso on the other hand confirmed Aston Martin’s magnificent car; the AM23 is not only a beautiful car to look at, but also drives incredibly well. The Spaniard secured his second podium finish in a row. Considering Red Bull is in a league of their own, Alonso is a winner in everyone’s eyes. Aston Martin has the best car on the grid, excluding Red Bull.
Despite his 3rd place finish, he received a 10-second penalty because of a wrongly served pit stop. George Russel was given the last podium spot, at least for a while. After the race ended and the official results were announced; Aston Martin appealed the decision, and after many hours of deliberation, the FIA decided to revert their ruling, and handed back Alonso his podium; this marks his 100th podium finish in Formula 1.
Mercedes on the other hand had a great race. They managed to keep both Ferraris at bay, who had to settle for 6th and 7th place. Russel finished in 4th, and Hamilton 5th, however as mentioned before, Russell climbs to 3rd due to Alonso’s penalty.
It was an interesting race to see. Red Bull confirms their dominant spell, and Aston Martin has progressed so much as a team that they were able to keep Mercedes and Ferrari at bay. Stroll is going to have to pick up the pace so the team can dream of a 3rd or even 2nd place in the Constructors’ Championship.
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