Engine problem for Verstappen, Pérez on pole in Saudi Arabia

This is a scenario that no one had imagined. Untouchable since the start of the weekend, and even the season, Max Verstappen was unable to do anything about the recalcitrant mechanics of his RB19 when it failed him in the middle of Q2 of qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (March 17-19).

So in the middle of a flying lap, the reigning double world champion had to suddenly relax his effort after hearing his gearbox give way. There was nothing left to do for the clan Red Bull who asked his driver to take the car back to the garage so as not to leave it again. Without a time under his belt, the Batavian was unable to leave the 15^e instead.

Max Verstappen's misfortunes therefore brought happiness to others, notably his garage neighbor Sergio Pérez who took pole position for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the 2nd of his career a year after his first, already won. in the streets of Saudi Arabia. Something to console the Red Bull ranks after the misadventures of the leader a few minutes earlier.

Alonso in ambush, Alpine responds present

While Sergio Pérez fulfilled his contract, behind the Mexican the battle raged. Already assured of losing 10 places on the grid, Charles Leclerc undoubtedly achieved the best possible result this Saturday. Too short to jostle his Red Bull counterpart, the representative of the Team established himself as the best of the others with the 2nd time on the line ahead of a Fernando Alonso who never ceases to impress at the wheel of his Aston Martin.

With Charles Leclerc's penalty and Max Verstappen promised to come back this Sunday, the Asturian carried out the great operation of the day. Propelled to 2nd position on the grid, Fernando Alonso can allow himself to dream of a first victory almost 10 years after his last at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix. George Russell (Mercedes) and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) completed the Top 5 in qualifying while Lance stroll will integrate it into the grid.

In the tough two weeks ago in Bahrain, Alpine put in a very good performance. The first good news is that the A523 has performance. The second is thatEsteban Ocon et Pierre Gasly managed to advance to Q3. The first city even beat a Lewis Hamilton always delicate with his Mercedes. This Sunday, the Blues can score big points since their drivers will start 6th and 9th respectively. Special mention to Oscar piastri, present in Q3 and 9th in qualifying despite a McLaren with limited potential. His teammate Lando Norris was surprised in Q1 by hitting the wall on the inside of the last turn.

Pérez on pole, Alonso on the front row, Leclerc and Verstappen who go far, and the Blues in the Top 10: this promises a spectacular Saudi Arabian GP. See you on Sunday at 18:00 p.m. French time for the start of this 2nd round of the 2023 season of Formula 1.

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