Max quickest in Saudi FP1

Published on 17 March 2023 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was quickest in the opening practice session of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Oracle Red Bull Racing team mate Sergio Perez was second, ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

The first session is driven in the afternoon, in conditions that will not represent qualifying and Sunday’s race as both are scheduled to take place under the flood lights in the evening.

Nevertheless, when the pitlane opens for FP1, it is busy out on track with only the Red Bulls, the Aston Martins and George Russell’s Mercedes remaining in the garage.

It is not until twenty minutes into the session that the reigning world champion steers his RB19 onto the streets of Jeddah. When he does venture out, he sports the soft tyres. Where his first timed effort moves him into P3, Max’ second flying lap propels him to the top of the timing sheets.

Max remains on the pace and in the closing stages of the session, the Dutchman continues to clock quick lap times and ultimately sets the fastest lap of the session, half a second ahead of team mate Perez and holding a seven tenths advantage over the third-quickest driver, Fernando Alonso.

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Results first free practice Saudi Arabia: