A first win of the season for Sergio Perez, an incredible comeback drive for Max Verstappen, another disappointing day for Ferrari and a second podium of the season for Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso after post-race controversy. This is the race report of the third race in Jeddah that took place within 50 laps.
Perez Back to Winning
Sergio Perez is back to winning ways after finishing P1 ahead of teammate Max Verstappen by around 6 seconds. After losing first position on the opening lap to Fernando Alonso, Perez regained the lead on lap 4. Despite a safety car on lap 18 caused by Lance Stroll's broken down Aston Martin, Perez controlled his lead and after teammate Verstappen moved into P2, the Mexican maintained a 5 second gap until the end of the race. This win was Perez's first since Monaco last year.
The Comeback Drive from Verstappen
The charging bull of Verstappen was for all to see as the Dutchman manoeuvred his way up to P4 after all the drivers had pitted under safety car on lap 20 out of 50. Prior to the safety car, Max had found himself behind former rival Lewis Hamilton on lap 12 but breezed past the 7 time champion with ease. As he was catching Leclerc on lap 17, the Monegasque pitted to avoid losing time battling with the charging Max.
Another Disappointing Race For Ferrari
After a DNF for Charles Leclerc in Bahrain and a P4 for Carlos Sainz, Ferrari hoped that they could have a better race in Saudi Arabia. However, this was not the case as Sainz finished 6th and Leclerc finished just behind in 7th. Both Ferrari's finished behind both Mercedes as well as Fernando Alonso. Ferrari pitted both drivers before the safety car came out so they lost positions to Verstappen and Hamilton who both jumped ahead of the Ferrari's. I am sure Ferrari will be hoping for a stronger result in two weeks time in Australia.
Mixed Emotions at Aston Martin
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso started off the race well as he got the jump on Sergio Perez on pole and took the lead going into turn 1. Alonso then led a lap for the first time since Germany 2012. However on lap 2, the race stewards gave Alonso a 5 second time penalty for 'incorrect start procedure' for being in his grid slot too far left. On lap 4, Alonso then lost the lead as Perez re-overtook the Spaniard. Then, Lance Stroll stopped on track with a mechanical issue causing a safety car. Stroll was running in the top 8 at the time.
Alonso pitted under the safety car and served his 5 second penalty but after the podium ceremony had finished and Alonso had claimed his 3rd place trophy and medal, the stewards discovered the rear jack had been in contact with the car within the 5 second window resulting in a further 10 second penalty demoting Alonso to P4. However, Aston Martin won their appeal of the penalty and were given Alonso's third place finish back.
Brake Failure for Albon
Last race, Alexander Albon finished P10 for Williams scoring points in the first race of the season. Despite a poor qualifying, both Williams drivers showed good race pace, especially Albon. However on lap 26, Albon reported a brake failure and began to fall down the order but he didn't pit. On lap 27 Albon eventually pitted to retire the car.