Lewis Hamilton on difficult season for Mercedes in November
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Two races have come and gone already this season and Red Bull have quickly established themselves as F1’s dominant force. Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen completed a second consecutive one-two in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, although this time the order was reversed.
Verstappen had kicked off 2023 with victory in Bahrain two weeks prior, but a driveshaft failure in qualifying left him 15th on the grid and with a mountain to climb in Jeddah. Perez started on pole and spent the majority of the Grand Prix out front, eventually showing enough pace to hold off the challenge of his team-mate.
Fernando Alonso clinched his second podium finish in a row and the 100th of his career, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished ahead of both Ferraris, who endured a frustrating day of racing.
With all this to delve into and more, follow Express Sport’s live F1 updates below…
Don’t miss…
Marko makes ‘typical’ Verstappen comment that may annoy Perez [REACTION]
Worrying Hamilton sign spotted
Martin Brundle has raised concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s body language in Saudi Arabia after the Mercedes star announced his split with performance coach Angela Cullen.
Cullen had been by Hamilton’s side since 2016, playing an integral role in four of his seven world titles.
“George Russell did a fine job for Mercedes all weekend and out-qualified Lewis for the second time this season,” Brundle wrote for Sky Sports.
“Lewis has parted company with his apparently (to me anyway) indispensable physio and confidante Angela Cullen, and also said he can’t connect with this car.
“His chin was down for much of the weekend and he wasn’t ultimately able to benefit from good timing with the Safety Car and switching to faster medium compound tyres when all around him were on hard tyres to the finish.”
Brundle ‘pleased’ by Verstappen mishap
Former F1 star Martin Brundle claims to have been ‘pleased’ by Max Verstappen’s qualifying mishap in Saudi Arabia.
The Dutchman crashed out of qualifying due to a driveshaft failure, which left him 15th on the grid.
“I have to be honest and say that when Max Verstappen had a driveshaft problem in qualifying meaning that he would start 15th on the grid, I was quietly pleased, relieved, and energised,” Brundle wrote for Sky Sports.
“Nothing against Max and his incredible talent, but at least we would have something to look forward to on race day.”
Hamilton dismisses Russell question
Lewis Hamilton brazenly stated that George Russell’s apparent podium finish in Saudi Arabia was ‘nothing to do with him’.
The seven-time world champion came home in fifth, more than 30 seconds behind winner Sergio Perez, while Russell looked as though he had bagged himself a podium due to Fernando Alonso’s penalty.
Before Russell’s third place was ultimately downgraded, Hamilton was asked whether he was happy about his team-mate’s finishing position, to which he responded: “Well, it’s nothing to do with me. But it’s good for the team, sure.”
“Well, it’s nothing to do with me. But it’s good for the team, sure.”
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s F1 LIVE!
The dust is still settling on an intriguing Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which saw Red Bull star Sergio Perez clinch his fifth career victory.
Stay tuned right here throughout the day for all the fall-out from Jeddah and build-up for what lies ahead.
Source: Read Full Article