Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
Charles Leclerc continued his strong start to the season after posting the quickest time in the delayed Free Practice 2 in Jeddah, beating reigning world champion Max Verstappen by 0.140s before ending his session early after hitting a wall.
With what looked like a session going according to plan, Leclerc made a poor mistake with 20 minutes to go, resulting in him sticking his F1-75 into the wall, damaging his front left wheel. Regardless, the Monegasque driver will be happy with his time of 1:30.074
Max Verstappen looked hungry to put down a quick lap time in Jeddah after his heartbreak in last season’s qualifying where the Dutchman stuck his RedBull into the wall of the final corner, ruining a lap that looked destined for pole position. Despite not unveiling his true speed on the soft tire, the Dutchman put down the second fastest time of the evening with a 1:30.214.
Despite starting off the session with reported bouncing, Carlos Sainz managed to put down the third fastest time with a 1:30.320.
Lewis Hamilton was 0.439s off the pace, putting him fifth fastest after requesting a change in seat height. His teammate George Russell followed closely behind in 6th with a time of 1:30.664.
Struggles in Saudi Arabia
Kevin Magnussen was forced into the pits prematurely for the second time today as Haas combated a loss of power in FP2 after fixing a hydraulic issue in FP1. Magnussen will be disappointed that he was unable to finish the session as it’s his first time racing in Jeddah.
Lando Norris managed to lift the Mclaren fans’ spirits going seventh fastest with a lap time of 1:30.735 meanwhile his Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo continued to struggle going 15th fastest with a time of 1:31.527.
Alphatauri’s realibilty issues were on display again as Yuki Tsunoda was forced to pull over and jump out of the car as his Honda engine decided to give way as the session ended.
