The reigning World Champions, Max Verstappen, continued his dominance in Formula 1 on Saturday by winning the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

It was not just a dominated display by the Dutch driver, but it was by his team as well with Red Bull taking a one-two for a second weekend in a row with his teammate, Sergio Perez, taking second.

Verstappen took the checkered flag in 1:20:43.273 after 50 laps to beat Perez by 13.643 seconds.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari rounded off the podium by finishing in third.

George Russell was the first Mercedes-Benz driver, but he was only good enough for sixth overall, while the seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, finished in ninth.

The most impressive driver was arguably the 18-year-old Englishman, Oliver Bearman, of Ferrari. Bearman came in as a late replacement for Carlos Sainz and the teenager managed to finish in seventh overall in what was his first Formula 1 race.

Following his win, Verstappen felt his car was once again in one point and he is pleased with how things went.

“I think overall of course a fantastic weekend for the whole team, but also from my side, I felt really good with the car, and also basically was the same in the race,” said Verstappen.

“Of course, the last stint was a bit longer than we would have liked, but with the Safety Car we had to go for it.

“So, the last few laps, also with those backmarkers, with the cold tyres, it was a little bit slippery but we had good pace so we could manage it quite well. Overall, very, very pleased.”

The next stop will be Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix which will take place from 22-24 March.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport