Red Bull’s five-second time penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, according to Sergio Perez, was “lucky” not to cost them any positions.
The Mexican received the penalty from the stewards after Lance Stroll’s severe Turn 23 collision, which resulted in an unsafe release against Fernando Alonso during pit stops under the safety car.
After coming back in fourth, Perez eventually passed Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who continued to race, but he was unable to reach Verstappen, who had won 56 races overall.
When Verstappen drove clear and Leclerc held off a challenge from Perez, the Mexican pulled back to take second at the start of lap four. Pierre Gasly had reported a gearbox issue to Alpine prior to the start.
Bearman avoided problems while Gasly became the first person to retire in 2024.
Ferrari gave him an early shove to start attacking after Lance Stroll lost control of his Aston Martin at Turn 22, sending it crashing hard into the barriers. “You are doing well, really well, but we are quicker than the cars in front,” Ferrari remarked.
Verstappen pitted for hards and the Safety Car was activated, giving Norris the lead. The winner came back in second place, ahead of Hamilton, who did not pit.
After pitting, Bearman made his first F1 pass on the restart, sliding by Yuki Tsunoda for 11th place, while Norris pulled a second ahead of Verstappen at the front.
