Saudi GP: Perez Wins, Max and Alonso P2 P3

Perez takes the chequered flag at Saudi Arabia in his dominant Red Bull. Max stormed through the grid to finish P2. Alonso got the final spot on the podium after some confusing decisions by the FIA.

Street King Perez in Saudi Arabia

There is a reason why Sergio Perez is called the King of the Streets. While he missed the start with Alonso getting ahead on the first corner, Perez soon overtook Alonso in his rapid Red Bull and then there was no looking back. Red Bulls are just too dominant and currently there is no other team in the position to challenge for the top spot. Perez was very much in control of the race, he managed the tires well and made sure he finished well.

For a brief moment there was a possibility that Max may challenge Perez for the race win. However the possibility was soon dusted as Max had some drive-shaft issues and he settled for the second position. Max also got the fastest lap on the final round thus keeping the lead in driver’s championship. He just drove amazingly well, storming the field from P15 and coming right till P2 and almost about the snatch victory.

Positive Alonso in Aston Martin

Alonso has had a great 2023 season so far. After the initial positive race in Bahrain many wondered whether the performance can be replicated in Jeddah or not. Alonso did not disappoint his fans. Starting from the front row he took the lead of the race but was unable to keeping the Red Bull of Perez behind. But he very well managed to keep the Mercs behind and comfortably finished P3. But then there was confusion. The FIA handed him a 10 second penalty post race for not serving the 5 second penalty properly. This decision was then over-turned after Aston Martin challenged the penalty, stating that they were well within their rights and did not break any law. His team-mate Lance Stroll was having a good race too but had to retire due to engine issues.

No Performance for Ferrari

Ferrari would be very much disappointed with their performance in Jeddah. Forget challenging the Red Bulls, Ferrari was not even able to catch up with the Mercs and the Aston Martin of Alonso. Carlos Sainz Sr and Charles LeClerc finished P6 and P7 respectively. Carlos just didn’t have the pace to challenge the Mercs. Charles did well to move from P12 to P7 but then he couldn’t do much beyond this. Ferrari really needs to figure things out and get their performance correct if they want to challenge for race wins and championship.

Mercedes were just average

The good news for Mercedes is that they were able to keep the Ferraris behind them. The bad news is that they were not even able to challenge Alonso in an Aston Martin, powered by their Mercedes engine. George did a job and finished P4. Hamilton struggled on the hards but finished P5. Mercedes really need to up their performance in the coming races to match their high standards.

Alpine was in the middle of nowhere, finishing as the best of the rest. Ocon finished P8 and Gasly P9. Magnussen got the last point in his HAAS. It was another disappointing day for McLaren with both the drivers having wing damage and finished back of the grid.

Saudi GP Top 10 : Perez wins the race