Red Bull driver Max Verstappen tops FP2 in Jeddah ahead of Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Updated 17/03/2023 at 19:04 GMT

Max Verstappen finished quickest in Friday’s second practice session ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull driver finished ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and team-mate Sergio Perez. Verstappen set a fastest lap of 1:29.603 seconds, edging Alonso by 0.208s. Esteban Ocon was the fourth fastest driver in Jeddah, while George Russell wrapped up the top five.

'It looked a bit lonely out there...' - Verstappen after Bahrain GP win

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen continued his red-hot form to top the FP2 standings under the lights ahead of Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez finished third with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso sandwiched in between, a narrow 0.208 seconds adrift of the current champion.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Verstappen, though - who won the season opener in Bahrain two weeks ago - as he reported “really bad” problems with the downshift over the team radio.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton describes shock Ferrari move as 'hardest decision I've ever had to make'

23/02/2024 at 15:35

When an engineer asked if the problem occurred on any particular areas of the track, Verstappen answered: "The last corner is really ****."

BWT Alpine’s Esteban Ocon finished the day in fourth while Mercedes’ George Russell wrapped up the top five.

Charles Leclerc was quick enough for the top 10 where he finished 9th, but will endure a 10-place grid penalty due to his retirement from the season-opening race in Bahrain.

Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) finished in positions six, seven and eight respectively.

Lewis Hamilton finished 11th on the day the Mercedes driver announced the departure of his long-term physiotherapist, while Carlos Sainz finished 0.251s behind Ferrari team-mate Leclerc in 10th.

FP2 STANDINGS

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
4. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
10. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
11. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
12. Lando Norris (McLaren)
13. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri)
14. Alex Albon (Williams)
15. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
16. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
17. Nyck de Vries (Alpha Tauri)
18. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
19. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
20. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Season 2024

'Emotional' Hamilton determined for success ahead of Ferrari move as Mercedes launch new car

14/02/2024 at 17:32

Formula 1

Alonso: Hamilton's switch to Ferrari can bring 'extra to fight for championship'

12/02/2024 at 13:27

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me