Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB19. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB19. Formula 1 World Championship,…

2023 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: As it happened

Sergio Perez won the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from pole position.

Max Verstappen, who started in 15th, finished second on a dominant day for Red Bull.

19 Mar 2023
17:08
Drama down at McLaren

Both Piastri and Norris have entered the pit lane for new front wings.

17:07
Penalty for Alonso

He's given a five-second penalty for "incorrect starting location".

17:06
Order on Lap 2

Alonso, Perez, Russell, Stroll, Sainz, Ocon, Hamilton, Gasly, Leclerc, Zhou, Magnussen, Hulkenberg, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Bottas, Albon, Norris, de Vries, Sargeant and Piastri.

17:06
Bad news for Alonso?

He's under investigation for "incorrect starting position".

17:05
Piastri

"I've got damage," he reports over team radio.

17:04
Alonso leads!

Alonso gets past Perez into Turn 1 for the lead of the race. Russell, Sainz and Stroll complete the top group.

17:03
Lights out and away we go

The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is now underway!

17:02
Perez lines up on his grid spot

Not long to go now...

16:59
Formation lap underway

Perez leads the pack away...

16:58
Tyres

Mediums for everyone except Leclerc and Norris on softs; Hamilton and Sargeant on hards.

16:52
A cautious Verstappen?

"We have a quick car but I still need to be careful. 

"It is a long championship, a lot of things can happen, so I need to try and score as many points as I can.

"I know it is not entirely realistic to try and fight for the win but I am going to do the best I can and see where we end up."

Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2,…

16:48
16:46
Our prediction

Verstappen, Perez, Alonso, Leclerc and Russell

16:40
16:35
More from Horner

"I think if he [Verstappen] gets on the podium it will be one hell of a drive" 

16:34
Can Hamilton recover from poor qualifying?

"It is a beautiful day, I am looking forward to the race tonight. 

"It is a new day, it is a new opportunity to improve, to be better.

"I am focused on just being positive and having fun.

"I love what I am doing and I love racing and we are so privileged to do what we do.

"Naturally, I am going to try to progress forward.... and gain as many points for the team."

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2,…

16:33
Horner on Max's issue yesterday

"We understood the failure we had and hopefully we have a remedy for it."

16:30
Helmut Marko

Marko is expecting Verstappen to finish on the podium - how far up can he finish from 15th?

16:26
Two Flying Finns!

(L to R): Mika Hakkinen (FIN) with Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi
(L to R): Mika Hakkinen (FIN) with Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo F1…

16:21
The pit lane is open

Drivers will be heading to the grid now!

16:16
The starting grid

Where will Leclerc start after his 10-place grid penalty? Full grid...

Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 2,…

16:15
Watch, like and subscribe!

Remote video URL

16:14
Welcome

Hello everyone and welcome to our live blog for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

(L to R): Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team with Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari and Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari on
(L to R): Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team with Carlos Sainz Jr …

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