The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling race, following an exciting qualifying session. The race promises to be full of overtakes, with Max Verstappen starting in 15th place, while Sergio Perez takes pole position for Red Bull Racing. And lurking in the shadow is Fernando Alonso to pick up the scraps if and when the Red Bulls slip up.
Verstappen’s Q2 Driveshaft Failure
Qualifying began with Max Verstappen looking like the favorite to take pole position. However, the Red Bull driver suffered a driveshaft failure in Q2, which meant he was unable to set a lap time in Q3. As a result, Verstappen qualified in 15th place, which is a major setback, making a win nearly impossible.
Perez takes Saudi Arabian GP Pole from Leclerc
The Ferrari driver will start 12th after serving grid penalty Sergio Perez took full advantage of Verstappen’s misfortune to take pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Mexican driver put in a stunning lap to beat Charles Leclerc to the top spot by 0.155 seconds. However, Leclerc will start the race in 12th place due to a grid penalty, which means that Fernando Alonso will start alongside Perez on the front row of the grid for Aston Martin.
Alonso and Russell menacing in P2 & 3
Fernando Alonso and George Russell put in impressive performances to qualify third and fourth respectively. Russell, on the other hand, was just over half a second behind Perez’s pole time and will be looking to challenge for the win. Russel is particularly please as he has put nearly 4 tenths between himself and 7 time world champion Lewis who qualified 8th.
Hamilton Disappointed
Lewis Hamilton had a difficult qualifying session and will start the race in seventh place. The Mercedes driver was unable to improve on his second run and will be disappointed to be starting so far down the grid. While Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, put in a stunning performance to qualify fourth.
Leclerc’s penalty
Charles Leclerc will start the race in 12th place after receiving a grid penalty. This means that Fernando Alonso will start the race on the front row for Aston Martin, which is a great opportunity for the Spanish driver to challenge for the win. Alonso has been in great form recently and will be looking to build on his recent podium finishes. We can also expect a great battle between Charles and Max as both of them try to charge through the field.
Excitement builds for the race
As the qualifying session came to an end, excitement was building for the race. With Verstappen starting so far down the grid, it will be interesting to see if he can fight his way through the field and challenge for the win. The battle between Perez, Alonso, and Russell at the front of the grid promises to be intense, with each driver having a chance to win the race. There are also concerns about the Jeddah circuit’s walls catching out more drivers, which could lead to some unexpected results.
Looking to the Race
The free practice 3 and qualifying sessions of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have set the stage for an exciting race. Sergio Perez will start on pole position, but he will face tough competition from Fernando Alonso and George Russell. And we can’t count out Max, especially after the ominously calm interview he gave at the end of Qualifying.
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