Max fastest after Saudi FP1

Published on 07 March 2024 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was quickest in the opening practice session of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Team mate Sergio Perez was third quickest, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso splitting the two Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers in second.

The weekend’s running gets underway in pleasant conditions; 27 degrees ambient and 41 degrees track temperature. In the opening quarter most driver venture out on track on the hard Pirelli tyres with Max clocking the third quickest time with his first effort. The Dutchman soon improves his lap and goes to P2 fifteen minutes into the session.

Meanwhile, Lance Stroll has a lucky escape with his Aston Martin only suffering mild damage after hitting the wall.

At the halfway point, Valtteri Bottas is the first driver to bolt on the soft Pirelli tyres. The Sauber driver’s example is soon followed by the other drivers and the laptimes drop quickly. On his first timed effort on the red sidewalled softs, Max goes quickest, before being toppled by George Russell in the Mercedes.

With twenty minutes to go, Max clocks the fastest lap of the session. The world champion does so on a set of used soft tyres before heading straight back to the pits. Both Perez and Alonso attempt to usurp Max at the top of the leaderboards but have to settle for second and third. In the final ten minutes, Max finishes his session with a 6-lap long run on a set of hard Pirellis.

Contest GP Jeddah: win a by Max Verstappen signed Verstappen.com Racing cap!

Results first free practice Saudi Arabia: