Teams' reaction after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Spherical 2 of the 2024 F1 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix noticed three-time world champion Max Verstappen declare a ninth consecutive race victory, however Ferrari’s 18-year-old reserve driver Oliver Bearman stole the present by bringing house his SF-24 in a sensational seventh place. Here’s what groups needed to say after the Jeddah F1 race.

Pink Bull

Pink Bull continued the place they left off within the Bahrain season-opener every week in the past. Their 2024 F1 automotive, the RB20 now seems to be the quickest automotive over one lap, and its long-run tempo lifts the Milton Keynes-based group to a different degree within the pecking order. It was subsequently no suprise to see the group that has been going via a troublesome interval as a result of inside points clinch its second one-two end on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in an analogous method to how they carried out in Manama final weekend.

Max Verstappen, 1st

“It was nice to get my one centesimal podium right now and it was one other nice race for us this weekend. I’m very pleased to win right here in Jeddah: it has been an important begin to the 12 months and we don’t know the total potential of the automotive but so now we need to maintain the momentum going. Due to the early pit cease with the protection automotive, I knew we needed to work on managing the tempo.

“Each time that I pushed I attempted to increase the hole as you don’t need to be driving on the restrict consistently and be taking too many dangers on this circuit. It was a really lengthy stint on the arduous tyre throughout the race however the tempo of the automotive was superb and I used to be good at managing my tyres. Within the final stint, the tyres had been getting chilly and it was straightforward to lose the grip on the finish, however we pushed via and I believe we did the whole lot effectively right now. The final word objective is to combat for the championship so we’re off to an important begin.”

Sergio Perez, 2nd

“I believe the early security automotive compromised our race quite a bit sadly, I misplaced quite a bit going into visitors with Lando and Lewis, round seven to eight seconds. We would have liked to get via that faster than we did to problem for the win however aside from that it was a powerful drive and efficiency. I actually really feel like we have now carried out the 2 steps ahead that I used to be searching for this weekend, so we’re getting nearer to the place we should be.

“The Ferrari has the tempo and I believe there are tracks the place they are going to be quite a bit nearer to us, they most likely didn’t maximise their full potential right now and we did. Max is driving at a brilliant excessive degree and I believe he’s the one driver who has maximised qualifying and the race to date this season. It’s nice although as a result of I’ve the absolute best problem in him. I have to maintain evolving weekend after weekend. Now, my full focus is on Melbourne and getting on high of what we have now carried out right here in Jeddah.”

Ferrari

Ferrari have had a tricky weekend with Carlos Sainz well being points. Carlos Sainz had been feeling unwell with suspected meals poisoning, and nonetheless took half in Thursday’s free observe, however he was then identified with appendicitis.

Oliver Bearman was drafted in, however he may solely full just a few laps within the third partice session earlier than collaborating in his very first qualifying session. The 18-year-old Briton delivered a sensational, eye-catching efficiency to qualify himself in P11 earlier than climbing up the roder to P7 within the race on a circuit which isn’t solely the second-fastest F1 observe, however probably the most demanding race programs on the schedule.

Charles Leclerc needed to take care of P4 in Bahrain attributable to brake points, however he delivered once more when it mattered, securing P2 on the grid, beating Sergio Perez in his faster Pink Bull RB20. The Monegasque then clinched his first podium of the 12 months within the race, and demonstarted his eye-catching velocity by setting the quickest lap of the race on the final lap with 43-lap-*previous arduous tyres.

Charles Leclerc, third

“We maximised our potential right now and couldn’t have carried out higher than this. We struggled a bit on the Mediums, the Hards had been difficult at first however improved all through the stint and I used to be in a position to set the quickest lap on them with a little bit of assist from DRS. All in all, I felt good within the automotive.

“Ollie did an distinctive job this weekend. To get right into a Formulation 1 automotive ranging from FP3, once you don’t know the automotive and the observe is likely one of the most difficult of the season, it’s spectacular to see somebody stand up to hurry so shortly. It was tremendous good to see him so pleased and excited all weekend and he’s carried out an important job.”

Oliver Bearman, seventh

“What an important expertise and alternative to have my first race in Formulation 1 with Scuderia Ferrari. It was bodily demanding, particularly ultimately once I had Lando (Norris) and Lewis (Hamilton) behind me on Softs. I needed to push flat out to keep up the hole and needed to keep actually centered, at all times checking my mirrors. It was a disgrace that the Security Automotive got here out so early, as I used to be snug on the Softs, however in fact it was the fitting name to pit then and I’m very pleased with the end result.

“I’m assured that I maximised the whole lot right now and had nice enjoyable on the market. I’ll always remember this weekend. Thanks to the entire group for his or her help and for giving me the possibility to race.”

McLaren

McLaren gave the impression to be third quickest group behind the dominant Pink Bull and Ferrari in Jeddah. Oscar Piastri made good use of the velocity of his MCL38, ending in P4.

His team-mate Lando Norris elected in opposition to pitting below the early security automotive interval, and led the race for just a few laps, Though he confirmed affordable velocity on his used mediums, he was unable to catch his rivals after performing his late pit cease for brand new gentle tyres. Consequently, the Bristol-born driver completed in P8.

Lando Norris, eighth

“An affordable race. We tried one thing with technique however, ultimately, it did not fairly repay – however it was a very good effort and I believe it was the fitting choice on the time as we had been protecting all choices for the group. There was affordable tempo within the automotive right now, so we possibly missed out on a few factors, however I believe we did what we may. We took somewhat little bit of a raffle, generally it really works, generally it doesn’t and right now it didn’t, however it may have carried out! So, I am nonetheless pleased. I believe right now’s tempo was fairly sturdy so there are some good indicators there. On to the following one!”

Oscar Piastri, 4th

“P4! I believe that’s undoubtedly essentially the most we may have gotten out of that race, and we executed it effectively. It was a bit irritating being caught behind Lewis Hamilton for thus lengthy, however I believe that was essentially the most quantity of factors we may have gotten this weekend, so, I’m very pleased. I can’t wait to go to Melbourne subsequent for my house race, I am actually wanting ahead to racing at my native circuit in entrance of the Aussie followers.”

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso continued his spectacular kind from Bahrain. He certified fourth on the grid, solely fractions away from P2. Within the race, he was unable to maintain up with Pink Bull and Ferrari, however was in a position to maintain Mercedes driver George Russell behind whereas he additionally completed the race forward of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, who stayed out on observe when the protection automotive was deployed.

Alonso’s team-mate Lance Stroll lacked velocity in Q3 on Friday night, ending up P10 on the grid. The race then didn’t final lengthy for the Canadian as he clipped the wall at Flip 22 and crashed violently into the limitations on the subsequent nook.

Fernando Alonso, fifth

“I am very pleased with ending fifth in right now’s race. I believe ending in entrance of 1 McLaren, one Ferrari and each Mercedes is a good end result for the group and possibly across the most we are able to obtain for the time being.

“It was intense from begin to end and I had George [Russell] so shut behind for many of the race. We went into the unknown somewhat bit with over 40 laps on the Exhausting set of tyres however we managed all of it effectively and had been in a position to make the one-stop technique work. We’ll maintain chasing for extra efficiency and give attention to the long run as it is a very lengthy season forward.”

Lance Stroll, DNF

“A disappointing option to conclude a very good weekend. I’d been pushing actually arduous in these opening laps – the automobiles round us had been undoubtedly sooner and the tyres had been already struggling. I used to be making an attempt to construct a spot and simply clipped the wall.

“There are positives to remove, the group has scored factors in each races and we really feel there’s extra tempo to unlock within the automotive. I’m already waiting for Australia – it’s a race and a rustic that I actually get pleasure from and I’m positive we are able to decide up the momentum once more.”

Mercedes

Mercedes have had a tricky weekend. Their 2024 F1 automotive, the W15 appeared to lack velocity within the high-speed corners with each drivers complaining about bouncing. Consequently, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton certified down in P7 and P8 respectively and completed down in P6 and P9 within the race.

Russell was caught behind Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, however he by no means actually appeared to have the tempo to overhaul the two-time world champion. The soon-to-be Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton stayed on observe below the protection automotive, ready for an additional interruption, however it didn’t come and the Briton needed to contend himself with a ninth-placed end in Jeddah.

Lewis Hamilton, ninth

“We tried our greatest to go lengthy right now and had been hoping that we’d profit from a security automotive or a VSC. Sadly it by no means got here to us, and we ended up ending barely additional again than we began. It was value making an attempt one thing totally different although. We gave it the whole lot we had, and that was seemingly the perfect end result we may get right now given how the race performed out.

“There may be potential inside this automotive, however we nonetheless want so as to add a very good quantity of efficiency. The automotive right now was fairly good within the medium and low-speed corners, however we had been dropping out within the high-speed. These subsequent few races shall be difficult however we shall be placing in quite a lot of effort to enhance as a lot as we are able to. I do know everybody on the manufacturing unit shall be getting their heads down and dealing as arduous as they will.”

George Russell, sixth

“It was an extended night on the market. I spent almost 40 laps inside 1.5 seconds of Fernando Alonso however couldn’t get previous. I had a slippery automotive on the straights, however I couldn’t get shut sufficient within the high-speed to offer him any actual stress. P6 was seemingly a good end result ultimately and it’s clear that we haven’t discovered the candy spot with this automotive simply but.

“Total although, we have to discover a bit extra efficiency. We’ve seen potential and tempo within the automotive, however we haven’t proven it when it’s mattered. We have to perceive why that’s and enhance forward of Melbourne. As we’ve seen, the pecking order behind the Pink Bulls could be very shut so we have to get on high of it. There’s a number of work to do however I consider within the group.”

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg, tenth

“One level is value quite a bit today. It felt like a really clear race, and a extremely good race by the group strategy-wise. We break up the automobiles throughout the Security Automotive which was mentioned earlier than the race and that labored out effectively. On the restart when the sooner automobiles disappeared, I managed to get free air, good tempo, and a very good rhythm. I believe that was key, but in addition the teamwork from Kevin right now to decelerate the others for me to have the ability to make a pit window. It was good teamwork, and I’ll return the favour to him later within the season.”

Kevin Magnussen, twelfth

“I confirmed good tempo however sadly I received two penalties, in order that’s not an important day for me in fact, however I believe I made up for it with the hassle in conserving everybody behind to create a spot for Nico to pit. He scored a degree in order that’s tremendous vital and proper now, I’m not preventing for a championship, so the actual combat is within the Constructors’ Championship, and I’m pleased that we scored a degree right now. It’s enormous for the group, we earned it right now, and it’s optimistic that we have now the tempo – for a second race in a row we’ve proven that we have now good tempo.”

Williams

Alex Albon, eleventh

“It’s irritating to not be preventing for factors right now, ending simply outdoors in P11. Haas did an important job with technique utilizing Kevin to carry up the group, which was very good. Sadly, we didn’t have the velocity and we had been carrying entrance wing injury as effectively, so we struggled to progress via the sphere. We had a greater race automotive than we confirmed right now, so now the main target is on enhancing for Australia.”

Logan Sargeant, 14th

“It was an honest race with a very good 35 laps; nevertheless, we didn’t fairly have the tempo wanted for the final 15 laps. I used to be beginning to discover the potential in direction of the top of the race, however it was a bit too late. If I’d have realised the potential earlier, we may have picked extra off, however I’ll look via it and see what I can do higher. With the tempo enhancing all through the race, I’m assured we are able to unlock extra potential for Australia.”

Alpine

Alpine confirmed an improved velocity in Jeddah in comparison with Bahrain, however they had been nonetheless the slowest in qualifying.

Pierre Gasly encountered a gearbox-related situation on the warm-up lap which pressured him to retire from the motion. His team-mate Esteban Ocon was concerned in a race-long battle with Haas racer Kevin Magnussen, the 2 Williams and two RB drivers, however he was an extended shot away from scoring any factors.

Esteban Ocon, thirteenth

“Realistically, that’s all we may obtain within the race right now. For us, we took it as one other alternative to be taught extra in regards to the automotive. There was some chaos in the beginning, so we did effectively to remain clear and capitalise on some positions. There have been some moments of shut wheel to wheel racing, which was good at occasions.

“We’re simply not fast sufficient to attain factors and that’s the place we’re at this second in time. We’ll maintain our heads excessive and maintain working to seek out efficiency. I’m in Enstone this week and I’m wanting ahead to seeing all people there and collectively working arduous to enhance our present scenario. Australia is our subsequent alternative and I look ahead to it.”

Pierre Gasly, DNF

“Clearly, it’s a disappointing day for us in Jeddah. We had a gearbox situation on the formation lap the place we misplaced sixth gear after which misplaced synchronisation of all the opposite gears so we needed to retire the automotive. We’ve got to analyze why this occurred because it value us priceless observe time right now.

“It’s disappointing for the entire group as everyone seems to be working actually arduous, bringing good vitality all weekend, however issues simply will not be going our approach. It’s not straightforward for the time being, however we have to maintain our heads excessive and maintain working to seek out the efficiency that we’re missing. We’ll stick collectively and go to Australia able to go once more.”

RB

The Visa Money App outfit had one other troublesome day with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo ending outdoors the highest ten. The Japanese racer had a promising qualifying session, securing P9 for the Jeddah F1 race. Nevertheless, the grand prix didn’t pan out the best way he hoped for as he tumbled down the order.

His race team-mate Ricciardo began from virtually the again finish of the sphere. He had a sluggish pit cease which meant that he rejoined the observe in final place throughout the security automotive interruption. Though the eight-time grand prix winner managed to claw again to his direct rivals, he was unable to enhance his place considerably, and he had a spin at Flip 1 within the closing levels of the race.

Daniel Ricciardo, sixteenth

“It was a tricky race and general, a tricky weekend, which could be very irritating. Throughout the Security Automotive time, when virtually everybody pitted, we had a sluggish pit cease and some laps from the top, I made a mistake and hit an excessive amount of kerb in Flip 1, which triggered a spin. I’m staying optimistic although, as I do know we have now some optimistic indicators and we simply want to shine our bundle up.

“We’ve got every week off now, and there shall be an enormous push from everybody to get it proper and ensure we have now a very good bundle for the following race. I do know the group desires it as badly as I do. I’m excited to return racing in Melbourne, so let’s prepare for it.”

Yuki Tsunoda, fifteenth

“It was a troublesome race right now. I made some errors and let some automobiles behind me move once I was making an attempt to overhaul the automotive in entrance, and that’s my fault. We struggled with our tempo and grip right now, so it was troublesome to drive. On the optimistic aspect, we had a powerful qualifying, and we’ll look into our race tempo and work out why we struggled as a lot as we did. There are issues I can enhance on right now, so we’ll look via them and apply the learnings for the long run.”

Kick Sauber

The Kick Sauber group had a troublesome weekend in Jeddah with their drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu ending down in seventeenth and 18th respectively.

The Finn complained in regards to the lack of race velocity and excessive tyre degradtion, claiming that the group’s alternative of a soft-hard technique was a too formidable strategy. After failing to set a single timed lap in qualifying, Zhou elected to increase his first stint by staying out below the protection automotive interruption. He accomplished a late pit cease, however it turned out to be a disastrous tyre service along with his group unable to mount the brand new tyres in time.

Valtteri Bottas, seventeenth

“It has undoubtedly been a tricky race, and a tricky weekend general, the place we didn’t have the tempo we had been aiming to unlock from our automotive. We went for an aggressive technique with Gentle-Exhausting, however we figured fairly shortly we had been struggling quite a bit on the arduous compound, by no means correctly getting it to work.

“We switched for Softs once more in direction of the top, hoping it will make a distinction – it did – however sadly we had misplaced an excessive amount of time in comparison with our opponents, and couldn’t make a lot of an enchancment.

“With every week break earlier than Australia, we’ll have the time to regroup as a group and analyse what hasn’t labored out to date for us. That is simply the second race out of twenty-four, however it’ll be vital to deal with our points and work arduous in an effort to promptly clear up them. As a optimistic, we have now some updates within the pipeline, which hopefully will permit us to make a step ahead and get again into the combat for factors.”

Zhou Guanyu, 18th

“This was undoubtedly not my weekend. The race was troublesome to start with, however we managed to go fairly lengthy on the medium compound tyres earlier than pitting for brand new softs. We’d have comfortably completed in P11, however sadly, the pit-stop compromised my race. We encountered one other situation with a cross-threaded nut, one thing that we, as a group, are investigating.

“We have to perceive how this occurred and enhance to ensure it doesn’t happen once more. The optimistic takeaway from this weekend is that my tempo was wanting fairly good, and we’re undoubtedly up there preventing within the midfield, near the factors.“

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