2024 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen still remains victorious, Bearman shines in F1 debut

Jeddah – Reigning and defending three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen continues his unbeaten form by winning the 2nd race of 2024 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah on Saturday evening (March 9). Started from pole, the Dutchman is uncatchable throughout the race until the checkered flag, as he drove his Red Bull RB20 to victory for the 2nd time this season. Joining him on the podium are his Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez in 2nd place, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third.

Lovely race!!!

The car felt great again today! Another 1-2 finish is an amazing team result @redbullracing 🤝 Very well done👏#SaudiArabianGP #KeepPushing pic.twitter.com/4N7ax2Y1jO

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 9, 2024

Max Verstappen led the world championship after two rounds of 2024 season, repeating last season's first two-race win of the season as defending champion.

Ollie Bearman stole the limelights after finished seventh in his debut F1 race at Jeddah.

Who else could it be?! @OllieBearman is your #F1DriverOfTheDay 🤩#F1 #SaudiArabianGP @salesforce pic.twitter.com/6PTzrvblhP

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 9, 2024

However, the major attention throughout the Grand Prix weekend is the 18 year-old F2 driver Oliver 'Ollie' Bearman, who suddenly made his F1 debut with Ferrari, replacing the injured Carlos Sainz Jr. who diagnosed with appendicitis. Bearman finished seventh in the race ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton who will move to Ferrari next year in 2025. Bearman scored six points in the race, only the third youngest teen driver to score more than five points in debut F1 race alongside Verstappen and Michael Schumacher.

Sources:

- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-seals-assured-victory-in-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-as-bearman.688391Oy9JabLrEGIXLTkr.html

- https://formula1.com/en/latest/article.facts-and-stats-bearman-makes-it-four-brits-in-the-points-for-the-first-time.7lmU47WyQN1CvdbdY5TxD0.html

- 2024 Saudi Arabian GP race results