Verstappen dominates in Jeddah for another Red Bull one-two

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Defending three-time world champion Max Verstappen consolidated his lead in this year’s embryonic Formula One title race with another majestic victory when he led Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez home at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Dutchman dominated from pole position to chequered flag to finish 13.643 seconds ahead of Perez, who hung on to second despite taking a five-second penalty for an unsafe release from a pit-stop.

The pair finished 18.6 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, whose team-mate British teenager Oliver Bearman, at 18 the youngest ever Ferrari driver and third-youngest in F1 history, came home a remarkable seventh to make a points-scoring debut.

Bearman, watched by his father David and Carlos Sainz, whose seat he was given when the Spaniard went into hospital for the removal of his appendix on Friday morning, drove with impressive calmness and aplomb.

Oscar Piastri finished fourth for McLaren ahead of Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, George Russell of Mercedes and Bearman with two more Britons Lando Norris and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton taking eighth and ninth for McLaren and Mercedes.

- Flying colours -
Nico Hulkenberg finished 10th for Haas.

It was Verstappen’s ninth consecutive victory, his second this year in Red Bull's second one-two finish and the 100th podium  of his career, bringing him his 56th F1 win.

"It’s one of the more physical races, a tough one," said Verstappen.

Perez said: "Overall, it is a great day for the team, on a different track to Bahrain, and now we have to keep this momentum going."

"It was a bit boring because the Red Bulls were too quick," said Leclerc, who clocked the fastest lap.

He praised his unexpected new teammate.

"Ollie did an incredible job… Today, seventh in his first race – it’s hugely impressive. He is hugely talented.”

After another day of paddock intrigue, resulting in Red Bull calming troubled waters with senior advisor Helmut Marko confirmed as staying in his post to the satisfaction of Verstappen, there was great anticipation on the grid ahead of the floodlit race.

Bearman was the centre of attention and showed no nerves as he lined up 11th.

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