Saudi Arabian Grand Prix practice sessions

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso led the way in the second practice session for the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix, with George Russell of Mercedes trailing closely behind. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had topped the charts in the first session. Alonso expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of free practice in fine-tuning strategies. Meanwhile, Verstappen remained confident for the upcoming qualifying round, anticipating a tight competition. However, loose drain covers briefly delayed the second session, a recurring issue from previous races. Despite the setback, teams quickly addressed the problem, ensuring a smooth continuation of practice.

Alonso’s optimism stemmed from the team’s consistent performance during free practice sessions, although he acknowledged the difference between practice and qualifying scenarios. Russell echoed Alonso’s sentiments, acknowledging areas for improvement in the car’s setup. While single-lap times appeared promising, the team remained cautious about their performance during long runs.

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held at the Jeddah Corniche circuit, presented unique challenges with its floodlit night setting. Additionally, the race schedule was adjusted to accommodate Ramadan, beginning a day earlier than usual. Amidst these adjustments, drivers navigated the track with varying levels of comfort. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who had struggled with illness, showcased competitive performances, with Leclerc commenting on track conditions reminiscent of the popular video game, Mario Kart.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, last year’s race winner in Jeddah, demonstrated consistent pace, securing third and fifth positions in the practice sessions. However, the evening session saw Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton facing scrutiny from stewards for impeding Williams’ Logan Sargeant. Hamilton acknowledged the incident, citing a lack of awareness about Sargeant’s approach, leading to a warning from stewards and a fine for Mercedes.

Looking ahead to qualifying, drivers remained focused on refining their strategies and optimizing performance for the race weekend. Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull’s performance but anticipated a close competition. As teams analyzed data from practice sessions, they aimed to make necessary adjustments to maximize their chances in the qualifying round and ultimately, the race.

As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix approached, excitement and anticipation filled the paddock, with teams and drivers gearing up for a challenging and competitive weekend under the floodlights of Jeddah. With the first day of practice concluded, teams now turned their attention to fine-tuning their setups and strategies for qualifying, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race weekend.

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By- Sahiba Suri