JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Reigning world champion Red Bull driver Max Verstappen passed Charles Leclerc with three laps to go to win the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix, his first victory of the season and his 21st in career.
Leclerc was trying to win a second race in a row at the start of the season, but Verstappen passed him on the 47th lap of 50 following a fierce battle between the two drivers. Carlos Sainz Jr. finished third to give Ferrari a second podium finish in as many races this season.
Leclerc retains first place in the driver standings.
Sergio Perez, who started from pole position in his Red Bull, finished just off the podium, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton might only earn one point for Mercedes by finishing 10th following starting from 15th place. on the grid.
His team-mate, George Russell, took fifth, but Mercedes once more looked overwhelmed by events all weekend.
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) was the last driver to cross the finish line in 13th place, behind his teammate, replacement driver Nico Hulkenberg.
The race was marked by several retirements, including that of Canadian Nicholas Latifi (Williams). In all, six drivers did not finish the event.
More details to come
Verstappen makes strategic use of DRS
Loss of control of Latifi
Collision between Stroll and Albon with one lap to go
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