How Do the F1 Drivers Line Up for Saudi Arabian GP Post Schumacher’s Withdrawal & Ricciardo’s Penalty?

The excitement is on the rise as the teams and drivers are preparing for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The qualifying has given the fans a prequel to what is coming on Sunday. Sergio Perez’s astonishing last lap in the Q3 meant the Mexican is on pole. Meanwhile, the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz start behind Perez as Lewis Hamilton shockingly got eliminated in Q1.

The drama of Mick Schumacher’s shunt may well prove the major talking point from qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. As for now, the fans as well as the teams are concerned about the safety of the track after Schumacher’s devastating crash.

It’s Ferrari v Red Bull at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Sergio Perez secured his first pole in his Formula 1 career in his 215th attempt. The Red Bull driver was on course to finish behind the Ferraris, but a flying last lap proved to be the difference. Perez was stunned himself and revealed that it was one of the best laps of his career. After the qualifying, he said, “It took me a couple of races! But what a lap man, it was unbelievable!”

Closely following the Mexican are the high-flying Ferraris. Charles Leclerc also made an impressive lap, as he finished P2. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, who had issues with his car yesterday, had a decent outing as he ended up behind his teammate again.

Read More: Sergio Perez Affirms Jeddah Being ‘The Most Dangerous Place’ On the F1 Calendar

Max Verstappen was competitive on Friday, but he failed to grab the headlines after a disappointing Q3. He complained on the radio that he struggled for grip on the tires. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon grabbed fifth place behind the Dutchman. It went under the radar and he finished best of the rest. The Frenchman will look to gain places like he did last year in the same venue as he narrowly missed out on a podium.

Mercedes’ woes continue

Lewis Hamilton’s elimination in Q1 sent shock waves across the F1 World as he struggled throughout the qualifying. It’s his first elimination in Q1 in over 5 years, and his last was in the 2017 Brazilian Grand Prix. He has ended up in P16 behind Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. However, Lewis mentioned in the post-qualifying interview that he might start the race from the pitlane. This suggests that the silver arrows are planning on making some major changes to Hamilton’s W13.

Meanwhile, his teammate George Russell narrowly qualified for Q3, but finished in an impressive position at P6. Hence, he splits the Alpines as Fernando Alonso finished P7. Mercedes’ woes continue, but they will look to bounce back after a torrid Saturday.

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Valtteri Bottas, Pierre Gasly, and Kevin Magnussen complete the top 10 as McLaren’s Lando Norris starts P11. Fellow McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo finished P12, but a grid penalty following an incident with Ocon means he will start from P14. The Williams and Aston Martin complete the grid at the back as Yuki Tsunoda will start right at the end. However, the major concern was Mick Schumacher’s safety and thankfully, he is fine as of now. But, Haas has confirmed that he will not race this weekend.

Saudi Arabia hosts its second race and many expect a chaotic evening given the design of the track. Who do you think comes out on top? Leave your opinions in the comments.