Jeddah (dpa) – With anger and skill, Max Verstappen forced his first win of the season in Formula 1.
In Saudi Arabia, the world champion in the Red Bull left Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc behind after a lap-long duel. The duel between the two 24-year-olds could shape the season.
Verstappen has a new title rival
After the World Championship races in Bahrain and Jeddah, it seems clear: Ferrari and Red Bull are the measure of all things, Leclerc and Verstappen the new favorites for the title. As in the previous week, the champion from the Netherlands chased the challenger from Monaco over several laps. This time Verstappen had the better end for himself. “It wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun,” said the defending champion. Leclerc put it very similarly: “The fight was a pleasure.” For the third race in Melbourne, the Ferrari driver takes 20 points ahead of Verstappen.
Mercedes has a long way to go
Almost four months ago Lewis Hamilton had won in Saudi Arabia, this time he dragged himself to the finish in tenth place. The distance from Mercedes to the front is huge for the time being. A bitter realization for the industry giant. Team boss Toto Wolff called the form at the beginning of the season “unacceptable”. “We still have a lot of work to do but we’re a great team,” said Hamilton. If the turnaround does not succeed quickly, the Silver Arrows will only have a supporting role in the World Cup race for the first time since 2013.
Mick Schumacher’s car is fast and safe
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Mick Schumacher quickly shook off the shock of his violent accident, especially since he was uninjured. Already on Sunday he was back in the paddock, even though he couldn’t take part in the Grand Prix. Haas didn’t want to take any risks so as not to jeopardize the start in Australia. Schumacher watched as a spectator as his Danish teammate Kevin Magnussen scored points again in ninth place. The fast Haas should have increased Schumacher’s anticipation of the immediate return to the cockpit.
The guest appearance in Saudi Arabia remains controversial
The missile attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels near the track shocked Formula 1. After lengthy debates, the drivers were persuaded to hold the Grand Prix. But the issue is by no means over for the pilots. “After this weekend we should talk to Formula 1 and the team bosses about the future,” said Verstappen. The Saudis’ poor human rights record and their war in Yemen do little to help the racing series’ image. But Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali does not move away from the highly generous partner. “This country is making huge strides,” said the Italian. And Formula 1 plays a “very important role”.