Verstappen heads Red Bull 1-2 in FP1 in Jeddah

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen started off his weekend strongly as he set the fastest time in the first practice session in Jeddah.

Hello again, you three 👀

Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso, the Top 3 from FP1! #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/jE25RIz2sr

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 17, 2023

Teammate Sergio Perez finished second fastest, almost half a second behind the Dutchman. The Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll came 3rd and 4th, respectively, after another strong showing by the resurrected British-based team.

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Mercedes were next on the road, with George Russel 5th, and Lewis Hamilton, who celebrates his 10th anniversary with Mercedes this weekend, in 6th, both over a second behind pace-setter Verstappen.

Carlos Sainz, who has fitted a new Inter/”>Internal combustion engine for the race, but will avoid penalty, was the faster Ferrari driver in 7th, as his teammate Charles Leclerc could only manage 11th.

Leclerc, who retired in season opener in Bahrain, has a 10-grid penalty after exceeding his allocations of control electronics. The Monegasque will enjoy a fresh ICE and MGU-H for the race on Sunday.

Heat played a major role in this session, as it was ran during daylight. Many drivers struggled with overheating and worn out tires, something which is expected to fade as the sun will set down for the FP2, as well as qualifying and the race.