Stunning Bearman, Heartbreaking Stroll: Notes from Jeddah

Max Verstappen - 10 / 10

A gala pole, an impeccable start, a race controlled from start to finish. All he was missing was the best lap in the race. The three-time reigning world champion is unplayable at the moment. And the mess around the Austrian stable has no influence on the Dutch ogre.

Oliver Bearman – 9/10

Start in Formula 1 is never easy. Even more so without the slightest preparation. Especially on a difficult circuit like Jeddah. Especially under the colors of the most prestigious team in history. The British teenager performed like a leader at every level, and deserves to be seen again at that level.

Charles Leclerc - 8 / 10

Still as formidable in qualifying, the Monegasque must submit to the law of Red Bull race. With Sergio Pérez in terms of his equipment, it is impossible to do better than the third step of the podium.

Nico Hulkenberg - 8 / 10

Betrayed by his mechanics in qualifying, the German managed to get back into the points, notably thanks to a very good opening stint in Mediums, especially with a Haas !

Fernando Alonso - 8 / 10

The Bull of Asturias made us dream during the first two sectors in qualifying. The racing facts and his intact steering allow him to snatch a Top 5 but the Aston has not found (yet?) its 2023 form.

Sergio Pérez – 7/10

As usual, the Mexican responds at the start of the season. Still behind during qualifying, he quickly climbed into 2nd position behind his untouchable leader. Penalized for a dangerous restart in the pits, he has enough lead over Leclerc to secure a new Red Bull double. But there was something almost sad in seeing him celebrate his 2nd place under the checkerboard with an angry fist. As if he had already given up...

George Russell – 7/10

The Briton took the measure of Sir Lewis Hamilton at the start of the season. Once again better qualified than his illustrious teammate, he slipped behind him at the start of the race when he stopped during the Safety Car triggered by Stroll. We won't have seen him on Saturday evening but it's him who has the best ranking Mercedes.

Oscar piastri 7/10

Better qualified than his teammate, Piastri stumbled on Hamilton for a long time in the race before finding the opening and securing a very solid 4th place, far in front Norris.

Esteban Ocon - 7 / 10

Bringing an A524 this high in the rankings, ahead of the RBs and a Williams in particular, deserves to be saluted. Just like his intact racing instinct.

Lewis Hamilton 6/10

Never at ease from the weekend until qualifying, he was once again subjected to the law of George Russell but showed up in the race thanks to an offbeat strategy. Good resistance to the McLaren from Piastri for long tours.

Lando Norris – 5/10

Dominated by his teammate in Q3, he almost missed the start. Although he found himself in the lead for several laps thanks to an offbeat strategy, he ultimately finished at the bottom of the Top 10, far from the other McLaren.

Alexander albon - 5 / 10

Williams' life insurance achieved an honest 12th place in qualifying before fighting intense battles in the soft underbelly of the peloton to liven up a dreary race.

Pierre Gasly - 5 / 10

How do you want to judge a pilot when he has to deal with such equipment? Eliminated again in Q1, the Norman was betrayed by his gearbox on the formation lap. He gave up after just one lap of the race. The nightmare continues.

Yuki tsunoda - 5 / 10

Brilliant in qualifying, where he totally eclipsed Ricciardo, the Japanese disunited in the race to finish far behind.

Kevin Magnussen - 5 / 10

The Dane does not lack panache and never leaves his share to the dog. Fortunately he was there to lead a race without much relief. Severely penalized on several occasions, he finished far from the points. Damage.

Guanyu-Zhou - 4 / 10

Violently crashed in EL3, he missed qualifying but was not far from doing well in the race. This was without counting on a completely botched pit stop at Stake Sauber at the end of the race.

Logan sargeant - 3 / 10

The American seems to be starting again on similar bases to those of last year, that is to say not really transcendent…

Valtteri Bottas - 3 / 10

As transparent as his tangy apple neon green car shines in the night.

Daniel Ricciardo – 2/10

Largely dominated by Tsunoda in qualifying, the Australian went through the night in the anonymity of the back of the peloton, with a poor spin at the end of boredom. The hype for the return of Honey Badger has definitely fizzled…

Lance Stroll – 1/10

The Canadian made a rookie mistake by hitting the wall after poorly negotiating a fast turn. His haughty attitude in the process does nothing to help matters. How much longer will he continue to usurp a place on the grid?