Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.
Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen made it two pole positions from two in 2024 with a commanding efficiency in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as rookie Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut as a stand-in for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Championship chief Verstappen has seemed in full management in Jeddah, the Dutchman one together with his RB20 as he popped in two laps that had been adequate for pole in qualifying – his finest – a 1m 27.472s – was 0.3s away from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: Who’s Oliver Bearman? The brand new Ferrari rookie’s profession up to now
The second Ferrari of Bearman earned loads of plaudits, the 18-year-old dwelling from his first lap in closing apply and, whereas he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s, eleventh is nonetheless a really sturdy end result contemplating he solely acquired the decision to drive a couple of hours earlier than he hit the observe.
Sergio Perez, winner final yr in Saudi Arabia, was third, the Mexican failing to enhance on his second timed lap with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso cleverly sneaking a tow from Lewis Hamilton on his closing run to go away him with a tenth of pole heading into the ultimate sector earlier than crossing the road fourth.
Oscar Piastri outqualified McLaren workforce mate Lando Norris for the second successive yr in Saudi Arabia, with the papaya automobiles locking out the third row, whereas each Mercedes’ failed to enhance on their second runs and will solely handle seventh and eighth respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda responded effectively to a irritating finish to the Bahrain Grand Prix with an excellent efficiency via qualifying, the Japanese driver outperforming RB workforce mate Daniel Ricciardo to take ninth with Lance Stroll closing out the top-10.
READ MORE: Sainz dominated out of Saudi Arabian GP with appendicitis as F2 racer Bearman steps as much as substitute him
Additional again, Nico Hulkenberg couldn’t repeat his Bahrain qualifying heroics as an influence difficulty ended his session early, the German set to start out Saturday’s race fifteenth.
In the meantime, Alpine’s woes continued as they each exited Q1, together with the Sauber pair, the Swiss workforce doing a wonderful job to restore Zhou Guanyu’s automobile after an enormous crash in closing apply – nonetheless, the Chinese language driver didn’t have time to set a lap time and can begin final.
Qualifying Highlights: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
AS IT HAPPENED
Q1 – Rookie Bearman makes it via as Verstappen units tempo
Bearman seemed like a seasoned professional as he bolted out of the pits and acquired in control from his first timed lap as Sainz’s stand-in, the British driver coming so near kissing the barrier on the closing nook earlier than punching in a time that was adequate to see him progress into Q2.
Additional forward, Verstappen pumped within the quickest time of the session to finish up 0.079s away from Stroll – who wanted a final gasp effort having sat on the bubble because the chequered flag was waved – and Leclerc.
On the different finish of the pack, Kick Sauber did a sensational job to get Zhou Guanyu’s automobile repaired in time to get out earlier than the session ended, following his crash in FP3, nonetheless, he didn’t have sufficient time to do an out lap and a timed lap and thus will begin lead, alongside the Williams of Logan Saregant.
Esteban Ocon apologised to his workforce after he was bumped out of qualifying in seventeenth, one place forward of his Alpine workforce mate Pierre Gasly because the French producer’s woeful begin to the season continued.
Valtteri Bottas minimize a pissed off determine, the Finn was doing sufficient to creep into Q2 till he got here up in opposition to visitors within the form of a Williams and a Ferrari and that value him. He’ll line-up sixteenth.
Knocked out: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Sargeant, Zhou
Oliver Bearman positioned eleventh in qualifying on his Ferrari debut
Q2 – Verstappen excels once more as Bearman simply misses out
Haas duo Magnussen and Hulkenberg had been working collectively to present one another a tow via qualifying, however as Hulkenberg was catapulted clear down the primary straight, simply seconds later, he reported a lack of energy and pulled over into retirement, bringing out the purple flag.
When the operating resumed, Alonso continued his sturdy tempo across the sweeping turns of Jeddah, operating Verstappen shut for the quickest time, with Leclerc comfortably progressing, too.
On the different finish of the pack, Bearman continued to construct confidence, throwing his Ferrari round and attacking the kerbs. His closing sector on his closing lap of a two-push lap run was significantly good – but it surely wasn’t fairly sufficient as he missed out on Q3 by simply 0.036s. That allowed Hamilton to scrape into the top-10 shoot-out.
Alex Albon was the best-placed Williams in twelfth, the Thai driver leaving qualifying on the second stage together with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Hulkenberg, who watched the remainder of the session from the aspect of the observe following his stoppage.
Knocked out: Bearman, Albon, Magnussen, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg
2024 Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying: Energy unit failure for Hulkenberg brings out purple flags in Q2
Q3 – Verstappen takes thirty fourth profession pole, as Alonso impresses
Verstappen led a Purple Bull one-two after the primary runs, with Alonso hanging onto the duo in third and Leclerc failing to enhance on his finest time in Q2.
The Mercedes headed out earlier on the second run, following up a pair of laps on used tyres with a pair on contemporary rubber – nonetheless, Hamilton was 0.6s down after the primary sector whereas Russell backed off halfway around the lap and so they ended up eighth and seventh respectively.
Norris did a used tyre run earlier than bolting on the contemporary rubber however he was pipped by workforce mate Piastri, whose fifth-place is McLaren’s highest-ever begin in Jeddah.
Up entrance, Verstappen took a superb pole, his thirty fourth profession pole placing him fifth on the all-time record, surpassing Jim Clark and Alain Prost, with Leclerc becoming a member of on the entrance row – making Saturday’s race the fifth in succession they may line-up alongside one another.
Perez will begin within the top-three for less than the second time within the final 19 races, with Alonso beginning two locations larger than he did in Bahrain with fourth.
Tsunoda – who outqualified Ricciardo for the second successive race – and Stroll – who made Q3 for less than the second time within the final 12 races – accomplished the highest 10.
Verstappen sealed his thirty fourth profession pole in Jeddah
Key quote
“An excellent day up to now,” mentioned championship chief and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. “We improved the automobile a bit of bit in a single day and that gave me confidence to assault the high-speed corners. In qualifying, it is fairly loopy how briskly you go round right here. I had numerous enjoyable and the automobile was behaving very well. Lots can occur round right here, numerous straights however I am assured with the race tempo we have now.”
What’s subsequent
The 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is ready to start at 2000 native time on Saturday. Head to the RACE HUB to search out out how one can catch the motion from Jeddah.