Max Verstappen produced shock Q2 exit soon after suffering driveshaft failure on Red Bull Watch the Saudi Arabian GP reside on Sunday from three:30pm on Sky Sports F1

By Sam Johnston in Jeddah

18:31, UK, Saturday 18 March 2023

Sergio Perez claimed pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix soon after Red Bull group-mate Max Verstappen produced a shock early exit from Qualifying following a mechanical failure.

Verstappen had been an overwhelming favourite to take pole soon after comfortably topping all 3 practice sessions at Formula 1’s quickest street circuit, but a driveshaft failure saw him return to the Red Bull garage midway by way of Q2 and straight away get out of the auto, leaving him to commence Sunday’s race in 15th.

The reigning planet champion’s exit set up a closer than anticipated contest to take leading spot, but Perez kept his composure to seal pole position in Jeddah for a second successive season.

Charles Leclerc was second for Ferrari, but faces a ten-spot grid penalty, which means Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso will join Perez on the front row.

George Russell supplied a enhance for Mercedes by taking fourth ahead of the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, but Lewis Hamilton could only handle eighth as he remained off the pace of his group-mate.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez secures pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Lance Stroll backed up Alonso’s powerful displaying by taking sixth for Aston Martin, although Alpine developed an enhanced efficiency to get Esteban Ocon seventh and group-mate Pierre Gasly 10th.

McLaren’s Lando Norris produced a Q1 exit soon after hitting the wall on a flying lap, but his rookie group-mate Oscar Piastri took a very-impressive ninth as he showed the indicators of the superstar possible that numerous in the paddock think he possesses.

Much more to stick to…

Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying Outcome
1) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
two) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari*
three) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
four) George Russell, Mercedes
five) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
six) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
7) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
eight) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
9) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
ten) Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Formula 1 street racing is back! Watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix reside on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Sunday’s race starts at 5pm, with develop up from three:30pm. Get Sky Sports