Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez won the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 after 50 laps of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. It was his first win of the season and the fifth of his Formula 1 career, taken in front of a full grandstand under the floodlights.
Verstappen’s recovery
Team-mate Max Verstappen finished just five seconds behind for a Red Bull one-two. A driveshaft problem in qualifying had left the world champion 15th on the grid, but he worked his way through the field and set the fastest lap on the final lap. The bonus point keeps him at the top of the championship.
Alonso penalty hands Russell the podium
Fernando Alonso crossed the line third, which would have been his 100th F1 podium. He was given a 10-second penalty for serving an earlier time penalty incorrectly and dropped to fourth, so Mercedes’ George Russell inherited third place. Lewis Hamilton finished fifth. Lance Stroll and Alex Albon both retired, and McLaren picked up damage on the opening lap.
“It turned out to be tougher than expected… we had the fastest car out there today.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
This was the second round of the 2023 world championship and the third Formula 1 race held in Jeddah. After the race, fans stayed on for a concert with Calvin Harris, Travis Scott and Ahmed Saad.