09 March 2024 , 18:27
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Max Verstappen made it two wins for two to start the 2024 F1 season after winning his Red Bull power battle.
The reigning world champion finished over 13 seconds ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, who pipped Charles Leclerc to second spot on the podium. It was a comfortable evening for Verstappen in Jeddah in all, who claimed pole for the race and held onto the position throughout.
Verstappen's future with Red Bull had looked in doubt heading into Friday's race amid an ongoing spat between his Dad Jos Verstappen and team principal Christian Horner. He had also suggested he could quit should long-time advisor Helmut Marko depart.
Speaking on Friday, Verstappen made his point crystal clear amid claims Marko could be suspended, declaring: “He has built this team together with Dietrich [Mateschitz] from day one.
“And he's always been very loyal to the team, to everyone within the team, to make sure that everyone would keep their positions already from back in the day. I think it's also very important, of course, that you give the man a lot of respect for what he has done.
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“And that comes back also to loyalty, you know, and integrity. So, yeah, for sure, it's important that he stays part of the team, also for me."
Marko acknowledged Verstappen's speaking out on Saturday, stating: "I am very grateful to him for that. But he is one of the few who has strength of character and shows loyalty."
Max Verstappen celebrates with Christian Horner (Getty Images)Who was your standout driver in Saudi Arabia? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Away from Verstappen, there was drama elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Aston Martin star Lance Stroll lasted less than ten laps before crashing out in Turn 22, which saw a safety car introduced.
Penalties then began to rain down on the grid. Perez, who had pitted, was given a five-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pit-lane. Kevin Magnussen was also hit hard, having a total of 20 seconds added to his time.
The Dane picked up a 10-second penalty for causing a collision, while he was then given another 10 seconds for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Lando Norris was somewhat fortunate to avoid his own penalty for a jumpstart.
Back to the racing on the track itself, there was a number of fascinating battles. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Norris exchanged blows for the final podium spot heading into the final third of the race.
The latter had managed to hold onto the position until lap 27. Leclerc then took advantage of the DRS zone up the main straight to steam past Norris and secure third.
Further down the grid, Lewis Hamilton battled with Oscar Piastri throughout large swaths of the race. The former twice overtook but had to concede his place having gone off the track to gain an advantage.
From a future Ferrari driver to a current one, Oliver Bearman enjoyed an excellent debut race. Driving in his debut GP in place of Carlos Sainz, he enjoyed a brilliant evening and finished seventh after completing a well-judged overtake of Nico Hülkenberg.
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After Hamilton and Norris had pitted, Bearman moved ahead of his compatriots and did excellently to defend to secure his first-ever F1 points on a fantastic debut. But the evening, of course, belonged to Verstappen once more.
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