FP1: Verstappen dominates FP1 in Saudi Arabia

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen set the benchmark during Thursday’s opening practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Verstappen's 1m 29.659s lap put him ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

Check out the results of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Initially trailing Mercedes' George Russell by 0.003s midway through the session, Verstappen improved significantly to secure the top spot. Alonso trailed just under two-tenths, with Perez close behind. Russell occupied fourth place for Mercedes.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, despite Sainz’s illness scare, clinched fifth and sixth. McLaren’s Lando Norris was seventh, followed by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll (who had a minor brush with the wall), and Williams’ Alex Albon.

Valtteri Bottas led Sauber in 11th, with teammate Zhou Guanyu facing issues and finishing 18th. Daniel Ricciardo secured 12th for RB, with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in 13th. Logan Sargeant and Oscar Piastri lagged behind their teammates in 14th and 15th, respectively. Yuki Tsunoda ranked 16th, followed by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

This strong showing from Verstappen sets a competitive tone as the weekend’s action unfolds at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

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