With videoMax Verstappen can start qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at 6 p.m. (Dutch time) with an excellent feeling. The two-time world champion was much faster than the competition in the third and final free practice. Yesterday he also set the fastest time in both practice sessions.
The Red Bull driver lapped the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in 1.28.485. Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate, was second fastest. The Mexican conceded 0.613 seconds. Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin was third fastest. He was almost a second less fast than Verstappen.
On Friday, Verstappen was also the fastest in both the first and second practice sessions. 1.29.603 at 1.29.617. The reigning world champion arrived in Saudi Arabia later than planned due to stomach problems and was missing from the media day on Thursday. On Friday, however, he reported fit again on the track.
Motor keeps De Vries aside
For Nyck de Vries, the last training fell completely apart. A problem with his car was found just before the start of the training, after which his engine was replaced. The AlphaTauri driver therefore did not take action at all.
From the pits, De Vries saw that Verstappen managed to beat all his competition even on the hard tyre. Pérez then managed to beat his teammate’s time, but when Verstappen also got the softs under his car, he turned out to be in a class of his own. He opened a gap of six tenths to Pérez, the rest followed by a second or more.
Qualifying is driven in the dark, because in Saudi Arabia it is two hours later than here. The race is also tomorrow at 6 p.m. Dutch and 8 p.m. local time.
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