Red Bull’s Sergio Perez saved the day for his team by clinching the pole position for the second consecutive year at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. His teammate, Max Verstappen, was fastest in all three practice sessions but had to retire early from the qualifying sessions due to a driveshaft issue. Perez took advantage of the opportunity and secured the pole position for his team.
Verstappen will have to start from the 15th position while Charles Leclerc, who qualified second, will drop down 10 positions due to a grid penalty. Fernando Alonso will now start from the front row alongside Perez, and George Russell will start fourth for Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, seven-time champion, will start eighth.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the second-longest track in the Formula One circuit and is known for its record-breaking speeds. Red Bull won both driver and constructors’ championships last year and is considered as the team to chase this season.