Saudi Arabia: pre-qualifying 2024

 

There have been strange rumours that Verstappen might head to Mercedes as soon as 2025. It seems highly improbable but apparently the reporting media tends to be accurate, so we shall see.

First practice had Red Bull quickest, with Verstappen top of the time sheets and Perez third, with Alonso the unexpected meat in the sandwich. Russell followed close behind, with slightly larger margins to Leclerc and Sainz, who had Norris and Hamilton on very similar pace. Stroll and Albon rounded out the top 10.

As usual, second practice occurs at the same time as the race and qualifying, but, unusually, Alonso was the fastest, two-tenths ahead of Russell, with Verstappen a further tenth back. Exciting as that would be for a grid or final result I smell sandbags. Leclerc and Perez followed the reigning champion, with Stroll, Sainz, Hamilton, Gasley, and Piastri completing the upper half of the timing sheets.

Hmm. Both Aston Martins were top 10 in both sessions, with Alonso top two in both. I did get burnt by backing him in the race following a strong qualifying last time, though. Also worth noting only once (Verstappen, FP3) did a Red Bull trouble the top three in practice last time.

Bahrain also saw the Mercedes’ engine suffer with overheating, and it’ll be hotter in Saudi Arabia. May compromise them during the race.

In third practice we had the Red Bulls 1st and 3rd again, Verstappen leading, but this time it was Leclerc in 2nd, two-tenths off the leader but three-tenths up on Perez. There were small gaps between drivers from Russell to Norris, through Alonso, Stroll, Piastri, Hamilton, and Bearman (18 year old Briton standing in for Sainz who has appendicitis).

 

At this stage it’s looking likely Verstappen will get pole, perhaps alongside Leclerc once again. Biggish gap from the Monegasque to the Mexican but it’s tight after the top two.

For the race, Perez may still be value. Hulkenberg, or Magnussen, to reach Q3 is also not out of the question.

No bet on qualifying, but intrigued to see how it goes.

 

Morris Dancer

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