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    F1 calendar 2022: Grand Prix schedule, testing, tracks and results with Australian Grand Prix up next

    THE Formula One season continues at breakneck speed after Max Verstappen bounced back to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Next up is the Australian Grand Prix, which is being held for the first time since 2019.

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    In 2020, the Albert Park race was called off with the drivers already on-site due to the beginning of the Covid crisis.
    The FIA had already confirmed Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled after Valdimir Putin’s war march into Ukraine.
    The event was scheduled to take place in Sochi on September 25, but will now not happen.
    An FIA statement said: “On Thursday evening the Formula 1, the FIA and the teams discussed the position of our sport.
    “And the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”
    Max Verstappen picked up his maiden championship in the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December – during a race we will be talking about for decades.
    Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds for the 2022 season…
    F1 calendar 2022
    All session and race timings are in UK time.
    🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix winner: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

    Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
    Friday, March 18: Practice One 12pm, Practice Two 3pm
    Saturday, March, 19: Practice Three 12pm, Qualifying 3pm
    Sunday, March 20: Bahrain Grand Prix 3pm

    🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

    Venue: Jeddah Street Circuit
    Friday, March 25: Practice One 2pm, Practice Two 5pm
    Saturday, March 26: Practice Three 2pm, Qualifying 5pm
    Sunday, March 27: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 6pm

    🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Albert Park Circuit
    Friday, April 8: Practice One 4am, Practice Two 7am
    Saturday, April 9: Practice Three 4am, Qualifying 7am
    Sunday, April 10: Australian Grand Prix 6am

    🇮🇹 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
    Friday, April 22:
    Saturday, April 23:
    Sunday, April 24: Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2pm

    🇺🇸 Miami Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Miami International Autodrome
    Friday, May 6:
    Saturday, May 7:
    Sunday, May 8:

    🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
    Friday, May 20:
    Saturday, May 21:
    Sunday, May 22:

    🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo
    Friday, May 27
    Saturday, May 28
    Sunday, May 29

    🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Baku City Circuit
    Friday, June 10:
    Saturday, June 11:
    Sunday, June 12:

    🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
    Friday, June 17:
    Saturday, June 18:
    Sunday, June 19:

    🇬🇧 British Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
    Friday, July 1:
    Saturday, July 2:
    Sunday, July 3:

    🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
    Friday, July 8:
    Saturday, July 9:
    Sunday, July 10:

    🇫🇷 French Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
    Friday, July 22:
    Saturday, July 23:
    Sunday, July 24:

    🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Hungaroring, Budapest
    Friday, July 29:
    Saturday, July 30:
    Sunday, July 31:

    🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
    Friday, August 26:
    Saturday, August 27:
    Sunday, August 28:

    🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Zandvoort
    Friday, September 2:
    Saturday, September 3
    Sunday, September 4:

    🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
    Friday, September 9:
    Saturday, September 10:
    Sunday, September 11:

    🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Sochi Autodrom
    Friday, September 23:
    Saturday, September 24:
    Sunday, September 25:

    🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
    Friday, September 30:
    Saturday, October 1:
    Sunday, October 2:

    🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Suzuka Circuit
    Friday, October 7:
    Saturday, October 8:
    Sunday, October 9:

    🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas
    Friday, October 21:
    Saturday, October 22:
    Sunday, October 23:

    🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
    Friday, October 28:
    Saturday, October 29:
    Sunday, October 30:

    🇧🇷 Sao Paulo Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos
    Friday, November 11:
    Saturday, November 12:
    Sunday, November 13:

    🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
    Friday, November 18:
    Saturday, November 19:
    Sunday, November 20:

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    Lewis Hamilton finished so low at Saudi Arabia Grand Prix he didn’t even know he’d scored points in tenth place

    LEWIS HAMILTON finished so far behind the leaders in the Saudi Arabian GP – he didn’t even know if he scored points for tenth place.The seven-time world champion fears he will not be battling Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for the title this season.
    Lewis Hamilton battled it out with 2021 whipping boys Haas and finished tenth in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty

    Instead, he will be slugging it out with minnows Haas, who finished last in the championship in 2021 and only called up Kevin Magnussen at the 11th hour to replace axed Russian Nikita Mazepin.
    Hamilton was issued an apology by his race engineer.
    As he crossed the finish line in Jeddah, Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington said: “OK Lewis, that’s P10. Sorry about that.”
    Hamilton replied: “Is there even a point for that position?”
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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MORE.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FAR, FAR AWAY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Watch Hamilton look totally demoralised as star admits ‘we’re so far off top’
    Indeed there is, but only one point and he sits in fifth place in the drivers’ championship – 29 points off the leader Leclerc.
    Hamilton said: “Right now, we’re not fighting for the top step. We’re so far off the guys up ahead. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
    When asked how far away, he added: “It feels like a long way away. We’re still really down on speed. It’s not just one fix, it’s several things.
    “I don’t really know but I’ll have to speak to the team. It’s definitely gutting but I got one point at least and we’ll work hard. At least we both got points for the team.
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    “I don’t particularly feel like we have made improvements. All I know is that I couldn’t keep up the Haas in the end.
    “The power they have, they came slingshotting past me when I overtook Magnussen earlier in the race.
    “We have a lot of work to do for sure but I know I have got a great team and we will keep our heads down and try to improve.”
    Hamilton, who completed his 180th race for Mercedes – a new record for a driver’s appearance for one team, beating Michael Schumacher’s total at Ferrari, said he was “so happy the weekend is done” and was “looking to getting out” of Saudi Arabia.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The race had been overshadowed by a missile attack on an oil refinery on Friday and the drivers will now speak to F1 chiefs to express their concerns about returning to the country.
    Meanwhile, George Russell, who was fifth, added: “That was the maximum considering I was all by myself pushing as hard as I could.
    “The most physical race I have probably experienced in Formula One, which was pretty cool to experience.
    “But a victory is not P5. We have work to do but maximised everything. We are making baby steps at the moment and we need to make some bigger leaps.
    “I’m sure we can do that but the timeline I don’t know.” More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE RESULT: Verstappen WINS after epic Leclerc battle as Hamilton down in 10th – reaction

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has beaten Charles Leclerc in a thrilling battle for victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.World champion Verstappen attempted to overtake Ferrari driver Leclerc twice but he locked up on the second attempt.
    Then it was third time lucky as Verstappen used DRS to overtake his rival.
    Lewis Hamilton is half way down the field after a superb surge up the field to sixth, before pitting.

    Result: 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari).
    Lewis Hamilton finishes 10th.
    Mick Schumacher pulls out of racing after his horror crash during qualifying.

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    Follow all the action from Jeddah with our live blog below…
    Gasly raced with “stabbing” pain
    Pierre Gasly was checked out by medics after experiencing a “stabbing” pain mid-race in Jeddah.
    He revealed in the media pen that he had seen a doctor after finishing in P8, but didn’t reveal what the prognosis was.
    Gasly told Sky Sports: “The last 15 laps I’ve never had that much pain, I don’t know what happened in my intestine.
    “The last 10 laps was like getting stabbed every left corner, the most painful laps I’ve had so I don’t know what’s happened.
    “Anyway I’m just happy the race is over and happy we got these points.”
    Max power
    It’s VERY early days yet, but Max Verstappen was very impressive today.
    Will he make it back-to-back world titles come the end of the campaign?
    Credit: AFP
    Ricciardo remaining upbeat
    Ever the optimist, Daniel Ricciardo didn’t have a bad word to say, despite retiring from the race early.
    That followed a disappointing 14th place finish last week.
    But the Aussie said: “I lost drive so it could be a number of things – maybe drive shaft if I was to guess but I’m no mechanic so don’t take my word for it!
    “But yeah obviously I think we could have had a double points which is pretty awesome from where we were a week ago.
    “And yeah, it was looking alright. I think there are some positives to take from the weekend for sure.
    “So yeah we still have a lot to go but certainly some progress which was nice.”
    Ferrari start 2022 with a bang
    Ferrari follow up last week’s one-two finish with P2 and P3 today.
    They promised they’d deliver a championship contending car this season, and despite it being early days in the calendar they are certainly delivering on that promise.
    Credit: AFP
    Leclerc loving new rules
    Ferrari driver and P2 in today’s race Charles Leclerc is loving the new regulations for the 2022 season, aimed to make overtaking easier and racing more exciting.
    He exclaimed: “The new regulations are definitely working!
    “And yeah I was just trying to do everything I could, I knew my weakness was the speed in the straights compared to the Red Bull, they were incredibly quick down the straights.
    “It was fun. I mean I liked racing like this and it was actually much easier to follow than what I initially thought.”
    Hamilton left puzzled by P10
    Lewis Hamilton finished so far behind the leaders in the Saudi Arabian GP – he didn’t even know if he scored points for 10th place, as BEN HUNT reports.
    The seven time world champion fears he will not be battling Max Verstappen and Charles Lecler for the title this season.
    Instead he will be slugging it out with minnows Haas, who finished last in the championship in 2021 and only called up Kevin Magnussen at the 11th hour to replace axed Russian, Nikita Mazepin.
    Hamilton was issued an apology by his race engineer as he crossed the finish line in Jeddah, he said: “OK Lewis, that’s P10. Sorry about that.”
    Hamilton replied: “Is there even a point for that position?”
    Next on the calendar
    Formula One breaks for two weeks now after back-to-back GP’s to kick off the season.
    And we’ll be heading down under for the next race.
    Melbourne is the venue for the third GP of the campaign, with that one scheduled for Sunday, April 10.
    Eggs in multiple baskets
    Football legend Edgar Davids was trackside in Jeddah taking in the action.
    And by the sounds of things he didn’t care who took the chequered flag.
    When asked by Sky Sports who he was supporting, Davids says: “I’m supporting Ferrari, Max [Verstappen] and Lewis [Hamilton].”
    Russell reacts to P5
    It was another solid drive for George Russell today, who has impressed in his two races for Mercedes so far.
    He says, speaking to Sky Sports: “It was quite an enjoyable race considering I was all by myself throughout. It was probably the most physical race I have experienced. I want to be doing this for victories, not P5.
    “The car felt good, the balance was great. We were just lacking overall grip.
    “It was a cool experience, I think all the drivers were pushed to the limit. We are making baby steps at the moment, we need to make some bigger leaps. I am sure we can, but timeline I don’t know.”
    Lewis’ lowdown after Jeddah
    Here’s what Lewis Hamilton has to say after today’s race.
    The Brit doesn’t think much has changed with his car since Bahrain last week, with “lots of work” still to do to get it competing.
    Speaking to Sky Sports, he says: “I don’t particularly feel like much has changed I think since the last race.
    “It’s only been a few days, so what I know is I couldn’t keep up with the Haas at the end.
    “The power they have, they came flying, sling-shotting past me when I overtook Magnussen earlier in the race so we’ve got a lot of work to do for sure.
    “But I know we’ve got a great team and we’ll just keep our heads down and try to improve.”
    Horner reacts to race win
    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Max Verstappen’s “patience” after he overtook Charles Leclerc late on in Jeddah.
    Speaking to Sky Sports, Horner says: “What a great race, an exciting last few laps and we just had enough to bring it home.
    “It was a patient race for Max, he looked after his tyres. Such bad luck for Checo [Sergio Perez], The Safety Car was at the wrong time but you can’t do anything about that. He’s driven brilliantly all weekend, he’ll take a lot of confidence.”
    Back on top
    After his dramatic retirement last week, Max Verstappen is back on familiar ground today.
    Credit: Getty
    Mutual respect
    This is good to see.
    Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen embrace after battling it out for victory in Jeddah.
    Credit: Reuters
    Credit: AFP
    Sainz speaks after P3
    Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz was pleased with his efforts, which saw him follow up second place in Bahrain with another podium today.
    He said: “It was a close call with Checo [Sergio Perez]. I think he got a bit unlucky with the safety car but the rules are the rules. I was just ahead at the safety line, it was my position then. From then it was all about holding on to P3.
    “The Red Bulls were super quick in the last 10 laps after the tyres cooled down, they were flying and putting pressure on us.
    “For me this race was a bit of progress from Bahrain. I managed to find a bit more rhythm with the car. There are still some tenth to find but I think I will end up getting there.”
    Runner-up Charles Leclerc reacts
    Ferrari star Leclerc said: “Oh my god! I really enjoyed that race. It’s hard racing but fair.
    “Every race should be like this. It was fun, I’m of course disappointed, we wanted to win today.”
    Mentioning his respect for Verstappen, he added: “It’s always been there, especially when you finish a race like this.
    “We’re on a street track, we’ve been pushing like I’ve rarely pushed before to the absolute limit, and we take risks at the end, so of course there is respect.”
    Credit: AP
    Max Verstappen responds to victory
    Following his win, the Dutchman said: “It was really tough but a good race. We were battling hard at the front and we just tried to play the long game.
    “They were really quick through the corners and we were really quick on the straight. The tyres were wearing our quite quickly around here.
    “You could see at the end, we had a little bit more pace. It wasn’t easy but eventually managed to get ahead.
    “I’m really happy that we’ve finally kick-started the season.”
    Trio being investigated
    Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen are all being investigated post-race for possibly going too fast under the sector 1 yellow flags during the final two laps.
    Full standings

    Max Verstappen, Red Bull
    Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
    Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
    Sergio Perez, Red Bull
    George Russell, Mercedes
    Esteban Ocon, Alpine
    Lando Norris, McLaren
    Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri
    Kevin Magnussen, Haas
    Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
    Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
    Nico Hulkenberg, Aston Martin
    Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

    Verstappen wins breathtaking Saudi GP
    Wow, what a victory that is for Red Bull. Max Verstappen stayed patient and just about managed to stay ahead of Charles Leclerc.
    Carlos Sainz has come in third, with Sergio Perez fourth, George Russell fifth.
    Leclerc said on his radio: “Well done to Max. That was nice.”
    Max Verstappen wins Saudi GP!
    The Dutchman has just about held off the surging Charles Leclerc!
    Wow! What a battle that was!
    The duo will be joined on the podium by Carlos Sainz.
    Lap 50 – Leclerc chasing
    Charles Leclerc is still desperately chasing down Verstappen.
    This could go down to the last corner!
    Lap 49 – yellow flag
    Max Verstappen is saved by a yellow flag after Albon collided with Stroll!
    Leclerc will still have another attempt.
    Stroll has called Albon an “idiot”.
    Lap 48 – Verstappen stays ahead
    Leclerc is really pushing, but Verstappen is still ahead with two laps to go!
    We are all set for an exciting finish!
    Lap 46 – Verstappen takes the lead
    Max Verstappen has finally passed Charles Leclerc!
    The Dutchman has shown uncharacteristic patience and gone by the Ferrari.
    Leclerc will have three more laps to try and reclaim top spot!
    Lap 45 – latest standings
    Here’s how the standings look with just five laps remaining
    1. Leclerc 2. Verstappen 3. Sainz 4. Perez 5. Russell 6. Ocon 7. Norris 8. Gasly 9. Magnussen 10. Hamilton 11. Stroll. 12. Albon 13. Zhou 14. Hulkenberg
    Load more entries… More

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    Watch gutted Lewis Hamilton look totally demoralised after Saudi GP as F1 star admits ‘we’re so far off the top guys’

    GUTTED Lewis Hamilton fears he cannot even keep up with F1 minnows Haas after his title hopes were dealt another blow.The seven-time world champion finished so far behind the leaders in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix he did not know he had scored one point for finishing tenth.

    Lewis Hamilton finished down in 10th as Mercedes had another poor weekendCredit: EPA
    Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc for the win — with Hamilton moaning that he could not keep up Kevin Magnussen in a Haas — whose team finished bottom of last season’s constructors championship.
    Hamilton, 37, said: “Right now, we’re not fighting for the top step. We’re so far off the guys up ahead. We’ve got a lot of work to do.
    “I don’t particularly feel like we have made improvements. All I know is that I couldn’t keep up with the Haas in the end.
    “The power they have, they came slingshotting past me when I overtook Magnussen earlier in the race.”
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PUSHED TO THE MAX .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Verstappen snatches dramatic late win from Leclerc with Hamilton 10th
    When asked how far off the pace he felt, Hamilton added: “It feels like a long way away.
    “We’re still really down on speed. It’s not just one fix, it’s several things.
    “I don’t really know but I’ll have to speak to the team.
    “It’s definitely gutting but I got one point at least and we’ll work hard. At least we both got points for the team.”
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Hamilton, who started the race 15th, was issued an apology by his race engineer as he crossed the finish line in Jeddah.
    Peter Bonnington said: “OK Lewis, that’s P10. Sorry about that.”
    Hamilton replied: “Is there even a point for that position?”
    Indeed there is, but only one point and he sits in fifth place in the drivers’ championship – 29 points off the leader Charles Leclerc.
    But there was consolation as he snatched another record off Michael Schumacher by completing his 180th race for Mercedes to overtake the German’s 179 for Ferrari.
    The race had been overshadowed by a missile attack on an oil refinery on Friday and the drivers will now speak to F1 chiefs to express their concerns about returning to the country.
    Max Verstappen (right) beat Charles Leclerc to win the Saudi GPCredit: AP
    Meanwhile team-mate George Russell, who was fifth, added: “That was the maximum considering I was all by myself pushing as hard as I could.
    “The most physical race I have probably experienced in Formula One, which was pretty cool to experience.
    “But a victory is not P5. We have work to do but maximised everything. We are making baby steps at the moment and we need to make some bigger leaps.
    “I’m sure we can do that but the timeline I don’t know.” More

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    Max Verstappen snatches dramatic late win in Saudi Arabian GP after Charles Leclerc battle as Lewis Hamilton ends 10th

    MAX VERSTAPPEN traded blows with Charles Leclerc at the front of an epic fight in Saudi Arabia – as Lewis Hamilton was left for dust.While F1’s new golden boys slugged it out in a thrilling final few laps, the seven-time world champion was battling it out with Lance Stroll for 10th place.
    Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Saudi Grand PrixCredit: AP
    Charles Leclerc battled Verstappen until the final lapCredit: AP
    There was a threat from the drivers to boycott this race in the wake of a missile attack just six miles down the road on Friday – and Hamilton must have been left wishing it had been scrapped.
    There are some tough times ahead for the Mercedes man, especially after seeing new teammate George Russell finish fifth.
    But for the rest of us, we are lapping up this battle between Ferrari and Red Bull at the front.
    There was already a thrilling early scrap between the two Alpine drivers which created some nervous moments on the pitwall as Esteban Ocon battled with Fernando Alonso.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}F1 SAUDI GP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Verstappen wins thrilling duel with Leclerc as Hamilton down in 10th
    They also both ended up in the barriers on lap five as the Frenchman moved twice in the braking zone, almost hitting the Spaniard.
    Alonso squeezed past on lap seven, but on the following lap Ocon was back in front as the two pink cars slugged it out.
    The inter-team battle formed a cork in the bottle as Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen entered the fight.
    As the midfield squabble for position, Hamilton was quietly slicing his way through the field after his wretched qualifying.
    Before this race he was quizzed if he was confident of moving forward, to which he was not particularly confident.
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    He should have been. After starting in 15th, by lap 10 he was already up to 12th.
    By lap 14, he was into the top 10 before the race was punctured by a safety car.
    That man, Nicholas Latifi, who had such a HUGE say in the championship decider in 2021, stuck the wall in his Williams.
    The Canadian did the same in the Abu Dhabi GP and resulted in the fiasco that followed thanks to the incorrect decisions from former race director, Michael Masi.
    Thankfully, there was no repeat of the mismanagement here, although the timing of Latifi’s crash did change the race leader.
    Sergio Perez, who had started on pole and looked comfortable in front, had just stopped for tyres as Latifi’s crash resulted in the safety car being deployed.
    When he returned to the race track, he had dropped to fourth place as his rivals all stopped for fresh tyres. It was terrible cruel luck for the Mexican, who had taken his first ever pole the previous day.
    Once the green light was given to resume racing, Hamilton powered past Kevin Magnussen into sixth place with the race at the half-way stage.
    Max Verstappen celebrating on the podiumCredit: Reuters
    Max Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrateCredit: Getty
    But any hopes he had of an unlikely podium were dashed altogether amid a mad few moments.
    First, Daniel Ricciardo conked out in his McLaren as he complained about a loss of power.
    Then Alfa’s Valtteri Bottas crawled into the pits and retired from the race.
    And finally, the one that sparked the end of Hamilton’s brave fight for a solid haul of points as Alonso brought his car to a halt at the end of the pitlane having failed to crawl the whole way back.
    Hamilton could see the danger and radioed his team saying “cars slowing down”.
    However, the order to pit came too late as he passed the entry before the pit lane was closed to recover Alonso’s car.
    When Hamilton was eventually allowed to make his mandatory pitstop, he was down in 12th place.
    And while the seven time world champion was dumped into the field with Aston Martin and Haas and Alfa Romeo, the battle in front ignited.
    Lewis Hamilton finished only in tenthCredit: Getty
    Nicholas Latifi of Canada and Williams runs across the track after crashingCredit: Getty
    It was a repeat of the excitement we saw in this season’s opening race in Bahrain as Verstappen and Leclerc traded positions at the front.
    First Verstappen took the lead on lap 43 before Leclerc snatched back P1 a few corners later.
    There was a repeat on the following lap as they both exchanged positions. It was fair, respectful and had everyone on their seats.
    As both battled for the win, there was still more drama. After a week involving a missile attack down the road and a driver rebellion, why would there not be?
    This time, it was those meddling stewards, who decided to investigate the final two laps of the race when there were waved double-yellow flags when Alex Albon hit the wall.
    As they deliberated their verdict into the night, Verstappen was left reflecting on his first win of the year.
    He said: “It was really tough. It was a good race. We were battling hard at the front and I started to play the long game.
    “They are quick in the corners and we are quick on straights but I felt we had a little more pace.
    Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc embraceCredit: Reuters
    Second-placed Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrates on the podiumCredit: Getty
    “I just tried to get by. It wasn’t easy playing smart tricks in the last corner but eventually got ahead. After that he was constantly in the DRS. We are happy we can kickstart the season.
    “It seems like once you get quite close because with the cars even when you got half a second you can get quite a good exit. It makes it a lot more tricky and harder to plan your pass.”
    Leclerc, who won in Bahrain and set the fastest lap to earn a bonus point, added: “Oh my god, I really enjoyed this race.
    “It’s hard racing but fair. Every race should be like this. Of course I am disappointed not to get the win.
    “We were quite quick in the corners but slow on the straight because we got more downforce.
    “It was extremely difficult for me to cover Max in the straights but he did a great job and deserved to win the race.
    “The respect has always been there especially when you finish a race like this.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’CARDIO COLLAPSE’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Taylor Hawkins’ heart was ‘DOUBLE normal size after drugs cocktail binge’
    “Honestly we are on a street track and have been pushing like I rarely have before to the absolute limit and we take risks at the end.
    “So of course there is respect but I am a little bit disappointed.”
    Max Verstappen celebrates his winCredit: Reuters
    Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc racing offCredit: Getty More

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    Max Verstappen slams ‘very, very dangerous’ Saudi Arabia track hours before GP after Mick Schumacher’s terrifying smash

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed the Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix’s “very, very dangerous” track.The whole paddock was given a scare on Saturday when Mick Schumacher was involved in a terrifying 170mph crash during Q2.
    Max Verstappen has slammed the ‘very dangerous’ Saudi Arabia GP trackCredit: Splash
    Schumacher, 23, was thankfully cleared by doctors after being airlifted to hospital for precautionary tests.
    The German wasn’t the only man to crash during qualifying, with Nicholas Latifi prompting a red flag early in Q1.
    Following the incidents a number of drivers have slammed the Jeddah Corniche Circuit – including reigning world champion Verstappen.
    Speaking ahead of Sunday’s GP, the Red Bull star said: “Last year for me, personally, I was happy with how we went through the weekend in terms of crashes.
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F1.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MICK OF TIME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Schumacher returns after horror smash, says ‘serious safety discussion’ needed
    “In some places, if you lose the car like today with Mick and you go flat out into the wall it is extremely painful and very, very dangerous.
    “Not only that, the straights are not entirely straight because they’re all a bit blind.
    “I don’t understand why you need to design the track [like this].
    “If it’s going to be flat out just design it straight. It’s just safer for everyone.”
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Verstappen, 24, qualified in P4, with team-mate Sergio Perez sensationally claiming his first ever pole.
    Explaining his troubles after the event, the Dutchman revealed: “It felt like I was driving on a different tyre.
    “Every corner I was losing one or two tenths while doing the same preparation, so I don’t understand what went wrong there.
    “After such a long break because of the red flag everything cools down, ambient track so there is a big track progression, but for me, it felt like I was actually getting slower.
    I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendarSergio Perez
    “That’s something which was very weird and I still had my delta from Q1 and I never improved on that going into Q3. Some corners I was still losing time to, so that was pretty weird.”
    Perez, 32, also had his say on the track, adding: “I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendar, that’s no secret about it.
    “It really demands a lot from the drivers, from the cars, from the teams. If you get it wrong, it can be a huge accident.”
    Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted: “Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendar because the walls are closer and the speed is higher.”
    McLaren’s Lando Norris weighed in: “I think with this era of cars, with how you have to run them and how they’re designed, some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of them.”
    Mick Schumacher’s Haas was wrecked on turn 12Credit: Getty More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE: Build-up as Hamilton starts 16th on the grid, Schumacher reveals he’s OK after crash

    DRIVERS are getting themselves ready for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after an ugly first two days of the event in Jeddah.Mick Schumacher has confirmed with fans that he is ‘OK’ after being involved in a horrifying 170mph crash during qualifying.
    The whole paddock went quiet for what seemed like an eerie few minutes as the son of Michael was involved in a smash on turn 12.
    Meanwhile, Sergio Perez took pole after a superb lap, clocking 1min 28.2sec, with Charles Leclerc 0.025 sec behind, and Carlos Sainz another fifth of a second behind him.
    And Lewis Hamilton limped OUT of qualifying after a miserable Q1, where he failed to make the cut.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and even labelled his car as ‘undrivable’.
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    Follow all the action from Jeddah with our live blog below…
    Lew it all along
    Today marks a record for Lewis Hamilton.
    The Brit has the most Grand Prix starts with a single team – 180.
    Mercedes tweeted: “Record. Breaker.
    “Today marks Lewis Hamilton’s 180th F1 Grand Prix with the team.”
    Hamilton has won seven championships – six during this time with Mercedes.

    Drivers worried they’d be attack target
    Frightened F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in today’s Saudi Grand Prix.
    And they were only persuaded to carry on after lengthy talks with team bosses and F1 chiefs.
    There are claims some felt BULLIED into competing in yesterday’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Haas ace Mick Schumacher’s 170mph crash.
    Red Bull star Sergio Perez admitted that the drivers were “concerned about our safety” following Friday’s shocking Houthi rebels’ rocket attack on an oil depot just six miles from the circuit.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team member decides not to race, they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.”
    Hamilton was banned from talking to media
    Finnish newspaper Iltalehti says Lewish Hamilton was stopped from talking to reporters by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali after their decision to continue with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 
    It is said that F1 drivers were overwhelmingly AGAINST competing following safety fears over the track and Friday’s terrorist rocket attack just six miles away.
    The Finnish reports claim: “Stefano Domenicali made sure Hamilton was not allowed in front of the microphones”.
    After a disappointing qualifying session, Hamilton was asked his views on the car.
    He said: “I’m not here to comment on that. We worked together as a group, we all discussed and made a decision as a sport.”
    Schumacher stays off the track
    Haas boss Gunther Steiner says a rush job to fix Mick Schumacher’s car for today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would have risked the next race in Melbourne.
    Schumacher, 23, will not be racing today after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.
    The Australian Grand Prix is April 10 and Steiner reckons it wasn’t worth the risk to get Schu driving in Saudi.
    Credit: Splash
    He said: “You could work all night and then on race morning find out you’ve compromised yourself so much because you did everything in a hurry.
    “Then you end up with not all the spare parts in Australia, and then you have a little thing happen in Australia, and then you cannot race when you in theory should be in a better position.
    “It doesn’t make sense to me. It’s just like trying too hard to call it.
    “You have to ship everything from here to Melbourne.
    “We cannot ship it to the UK now to do all the stuff on the car like you need, to crack check and all those other good things.
    “It would be just not a good job for knowing that you cannot end up in the points if you start from the pitlane this year, as there’s too many good teams out there.”
    Flying Finn
    Valtteri Bottas finished sixth in Bahrain last weekend.
    And starts the Saudi Arabia GP in eighth.
    Bottas and Alfa Romeo fans will be chuffed with his start to the season as the Finland man gears up for tonight’s race.

    Grid positions
    A reminder of the grid places today as Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is on pole for the very first time.
    Lewis Hamilton is in 15th – yes, you read that right.
    Mercedes team-mate George Russell will start the race in sixth.
    1) Perez
    2) Leclerc
    3) Sainz
    4) Verstappen
    5) Ocon
    6) Russell
    Credit: Formula 1
    Ferrari closing in on Perez
    Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz start second and third respectively as they look to get another Ferrari victory.
    But Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has declared that the Formula One drivers are still not 100 per cent happy about racing in Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
    There were fears that the second race of the 2022 season could be called off following Friday’s terror attack just miles away from the Jeddah circuit.
    Credit: Splash
    But Ferrari team principal Binotto has stated that drivers are still not totally happy to compete this weekend.
    He remarked: “I don’t think we said they are 100 per cent happy and fully relaxed.
    “Certainly they are still concerned but they have listened to the assurances we gave them and they understand the importance to stay here, and try to race because that is the best choice we can make.
    “Leaving the country would not have been the right choice..”
    Schumacher ‘OK’ after horror crash
    Mick Schumacher has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, writes TOM SHEEN.
    The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
    Top 10 – Perez pips the Ferrari partners
    A reminder of the top 10 grid places today as Sergio Perez is on pole for the very first time.
    1) Perez
    2) Leclerc
    3) Sainz
    4) Verstappen
    5) Ocon
    6) Russell
    7) Alonso
    8) Bottas
    9) Gasly
    10) Magnussen
    Hamilton : ‘car was undrivable’
    Lewis Hamilton had a 16th place finish in the Saudi Arabia GP qualifying session on Saturday.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and shockingly eliminated in Q1, writes SIMON RICE.
    Initially it was unclear exactly why Hamilton was so far off the pace, with team-mate George Russell managing to qualify sixth.
    Credit: Getty
    Wolff explained: “We tried something on Lewis’ car that did not work. He had zero grip on the rear axle. Time to wake up for us.”
    Hamilton, who will start 15th in today’s race due to Mick Schumacher not taking part, said “so sorry guys” over the team radio after his Q1 elimination.
    Elaborating further on his issues he said: “It was something in the set-up that was looking good in FP3. Tried to progress in a similar direction and maybe we went too far.
    “The car was just undrivable – so nervous.”
    Worryingly for Mercedes, those hoping to see Hamilton fight his way towards the front in today’s race may be disappointed.
    The 37-year-old said: “Well, I’ve got the same car as I had in qualifying, so I don’t anticipate moving that far forwards. But I’ll give it everything.”
    Toto-ly unacceptable
    Mercedes chief Toto Wolff was livid after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, calling Lewis Hamilton’s 16th place finish “totally unacceptable”, writes SIMON RICE.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and shockingly eliminated in Q1.
    It was the first time Hamilton had been eliminated at the first stage since Brazil 2017, and his first without a crash since 2009.
    What made the dreadful qualifying session all the more brutal is that Hamilton won in Jeddah only back in December – highlighting how far Mercedes have fallen in just a few months.
    Wolff, 50, told Motorsport Week: “I always love competition. We had a really strong run of eight years leading the pack – not always, but we kind of managed our way into the lead – but this time feels a bit like 2013 when we just weren’t up to the speed of the Red Bulls and probably also the Ferraris.
    “We kept fighting and this is how I feel at the moment – we need to fight.
    “It’s certainly totally unacceptable where we are on performance. We are third on the road, and sometimes not even that like today. It’s just not an option to stay where we are.”
    It’s certainly totally unacceptable where we are on performance.Toto WolffMotorsport Week
    Today’s race information
    Race – 6pm (9pm local time).
    The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
    You can stream all the action live with a Sky Go account or the Sky Sports app.
    Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the whole race day with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
    Good morning to F1 fans
    Sergio Perez’s stunning first pole ever for today’s Saudi GP is just a sideshow in Jeddah amid more race controversy and Mick Schumacher’s 170mph crash.
    F1 drivers were overwhelmingly AGAINST competing following safety fears over the track and Friday’s terrorist rocket attack just six miles away.
    And Lewis Hamilton amazingly will start only 16th on the grid as he was eliminated from qualifying yesterday after just one stage.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    “Everyone’s opinions matter but we want to avoid a situation where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    Drivers met for four hours yesterday morning to discuss their worries due to fears the race could be targeted by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
    And after the go-ahead was confirmed, concerns about the track itself escalated due to Schumacher’s horror crash.
    The Haas driver, 23, confirmed he was “OK” after being airlifted to hospital – but his car was split in two.
    Perez then stole pole ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – with his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen fourth.
    Mexican Perez admitted his surprise and claimed he could “do a thousand laps and not beat” his peerless ride.
    Ferrari aces ‘still concerned’ over racing in Jeddah
    Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto admitted his two drivers were NOT comfortable with racing in Jeddah, writes BEN HUNT.
    When asked by SunSport if his drivers were fully-behind the race going ahead as planned, he said: “I don’t think we said that they are 100 percent happy and fully relaxed.
    “I think they are still concerned but they are listening to the assurance that we give them, the understanding of the importance to stay here and somehow try to race because it’s the best choice we can do.”
    The drivers were also briefed on the security measures that were in place to prevent a similar drone attack on the circuit. And the Ferrari boss said that cancelling the race and fleeing the country was not an option.
    Binotto added: “The drivers met together and certainly they were concerned. After the facts of Friday, no doubt all of us were concerned.
    “The concerns need to be translated into considerations and discussions, and as we as teams had assurance from F1 and from the Saudi government authorities and security agencies that everything would have been safe and under control.
    “Leaving the country would simply not have been the right choice.”I think there was no right reason to leave the country after the facts that happened and with the assurance that we get.”
    Crash victim Schumacher says he’s ‘OK’
    Mick Schumacher has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, writes TOM SHEEN.
    The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
    Schumacher, son of seven-time worlds champ Michael, lost control and smashed into a wall during Q2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    Hamilton: We work together
    Lewis Hamilton was quizzed about the potential boycott by F1 drivers and said: “I’m not here to comment on that. We work together as a group. We discussed it and made a decision as a sport.”
    It was a similar story for pole-sitter, Sergio Perez, who said he had feared for his own safety when learning of the missile attacks just six miles away.
    He added: “We were concerned about our safety and also of the mechanics and engineers.
    “As drivers, there is only so much we know and it was important we got together. We felt it was the right thing was to go ahead and race.”
    Drivers tight-lipped
    The drivers remained tight-lipped about their conversations last night amid reports they were BULLIED into taking part in today’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Mick Schumacher’s huge crash, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, SunSport understands that after agreeing to get Sunday’s race over the line, the drivers will soon meet with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to express their concerns over racing in Saudi Arabia.
    But the Italian played down the threat of a strike and added: “I think the word boycott is not the right word because we are not here to be here in two categories. We are here as one family as F1.
    “It is about putting in place all the things that have to be considered where is the line?”
    Drivers were AGAINST Saudi GP go-ahead
    F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in tomorrow’s Saudi Grand Prix and needed serious convincing to take part, writes BEN HUNT.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team members decides not to race they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    “The drivers are stakeholders in the sport as are the teams and why everyone’s opinions matter but we want to avoid a situation like yesterday where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    The shock developments happened here in the Jeddah paddock early on Saturday morning where drivers were locked in a meeting that lasted more than four hours.
    It came after a fuel depot in the city was hit by a missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
    The attack happened midway through practice for the Saudi GP and heightened fears that the race would also be targeted.
    Drivers stood still dressed in their race suits debating the issue before their respective team bosses, F1 and local officials stepped in to persuade them otherwise.
    Hamilton feared crashing in ‘nervous’ car
    Lewis Hamilton endured arguably his worst qualifying performance since the 2009 British GP and says he was lucky he too did not end up in the wall, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, he simply did not have the speed or the handling and was knocked out in Q1 and will start in 16th place.
    He said: “It’s a wonder I wasn’t one of the drivers in the wall.
    “I just struggled with the balance of the car. I didn’t have any rear end. I couldn’t go through the corners without the back snapping out.
    “I just didn’t feel the car beneath me so I struggled with the balance. The car felt very nervous.
    Everyone is working as hard as they can and trying to stay positive.
    “But I don’t anticipate moving very far forwards but I’ll give it everything.”
    Carlos Sainz, who will start in third place, also says discussions need to be made about making safety improvements to the track.
    He said: “Is it worth it having that big accident when you can push out the walls and have more run-off? It is a discussion we need to have because it is on the limit.”
    Perez surprised to land superb first pole
    Sergio Perez hailed his first F1 pole position in 215 attempts.
    The Red Bull man said: “I can do 1000 laps and not beat that one! We did not expect too much and we were focusing mainly on the race.
    “It was difficult this qualifying because we stopped in Q2 and it is difficult to keep your focus to make sure you do that lap.
    “But if I can get pole here, I can get it anywhere in the world.”
    Schumacher in hospital after crash as debate over GP hots up
    Mick Schumacher was airlifted to hospital after suffering a high-speed crash – less than 24 hours after the Saudi Arabian GP was plunged into doubt following a missile attack, writes BEN HUNT.
    Drivers spent over four hours deliberating whether to take part in this race after a fuel depot was hit just six miles away by Houthis rebels.
    But it was the on-track safety that was the focus last night, as this race – dubbed ‘the fastest street circuit in the world’, comes with extreme danger.
    The Jeddah Corniche Circuit features long straights, little-run off areas and concrete walls.
    Throughout Saturday, the track action was frequently brought to a stop for crashes. But none more spectacular than Schuamcher’s, the son of seven-time world champ, Michael.
    Mick, who this week turned 23, ploughed into the wall at around 150mph, destroying his Haas car in the process.
    Medics were immediately deployed along with the ambulance and, after being extracted from the wreckage, he was sent to the medical centre for checks.
    His Haas team confirmed that the German was conscious and had phoned his mum Corinna to let her know he was ok.
    He was then transferred on a stretcher to a waiting medical helicopter.Shrouded by a green blanket, he was then taken to  King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, for precautionary checks.
    After a 57 minute delay, Sergio Perez took his first pole position of his F1 career in 215 attempts.
    Per-fect achievement
    F1 media chiefs labelled Sergio Perez’s pole-clincher a ‘sensational lap’.

    Leclerc admits shock as Perez pips him
    Charles Leclerc admitted he was ‘definitely not expecting that’ as he saw Sergio Perez storm to pole in the final minute.
    Sergio: It’s 1 in 1,000!
    Sergio Perez claimed he could ‘do a thousand laps and not beat’ his peerless pole clincher for tomorrow’s Saudi GP.
    The Red Bull ace added: “What a lap!”
    Perez: ‘What a lap’!
    Red Bull’s Sergio Perez clocked 1:28.200 as his astonishing final lap beat the flying Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to land his FIRST EVER POLE.
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    Mick Schumacher fit to drive just 24 hours after 170mph crash but fears of another crash behind decision not to race

    HAAS elected not to rush Mick Schumacher back for today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – instead deciding to prioritise Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.The 23-year-old was involved in a horrifying 170mph crash during Q2 yesterday.
    Mick Schumacher’s car was wrecked in yesterday’s 170mph crashCredit: Rex
    Team principal Guenther Steiner explained Haas’ decisionCredit: Rex
    Qualifying was halted for an hour as doctors checked the German out, before the debris of his Haas was cleared from the track.
    Schumacher was declared fit after precautionary scans in hospital, but team principal Guenther Steiner decided against trying to fix his car to get him back on track in Jeddah today.
    Explaining his decision, he said: “You could work all night and then find out you’ve compromised yourself so much because you did everything in a hurry.
    “Then you end up with not all the spare parts in Australia, and then you have a little thing [happen] in Australia, and then you cannot race when you in theory should be in a better position.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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    “It doesn’t make sense to me. It’s just like trying too hard to call it.”
    Prior to his smash, Schumacher had done enough to qualify in P14.
    But rushing the second-year driver out would have limited Haas’ time in the factory before Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.
    Steiner, 56, continued: “You have to ship everything from here to Melbourne. We cannot ship it to the UK now to do all the stuff on the car like you need, to crack check and all those other good things.
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    “It would be just not a good job for knowing that you cannot end up in the points if you start from the pitlane this year, as there’s too many good teams out there.”
    Schumacher returned to the Jeddah track this morning, and on the circuit’s safety told Sky Sports: “I think there are things we have to have a look at. I don’t know what happens in the future. But if so, we need to have a serious discussion about it.”
    Pole-sitter Sergio Perez added that it’s the “most dangerous place in the calendar”.
    While Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted: “Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendar.”
    McLaren ace Lando Norris added: “I think with this era of cars, with how you have to run them and how they’re designed, some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of them.”
    Schumacher, 23, returned to the Jeddah track this morningCredit: Alamy
    Sergio Perez secured his first ever poleCredit: AFP More