BREAKING: Verstappen Faces Early Setback after S…read more.
BREAKING: Verstappen Faces Early Setback after S…read more.
In a surprising twist during the Saudi Grand Prix qualifying session, reigning world champion Max Verstappen encountered an unexpected setback that disrupted his usual dominance on the track. The Red Bull driver, who has been in imperious form this season, was caught off guard in the early stages of qualifying, sparking shock across the paddock.
Verstappen, widely expected to secure pole position, struggled with grip and balance on the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit. His initial runs were hampered by traffic and what appeared to be minor setup issues, preventing him from setting a competitive time in Q1. Though he managed to recover and advance to Q3, his performance remained below expectations, ultimately placing him lower on the starting grid than anticipated.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc capitalized on Verstappen’s troubles, delivering a blistering lap to claim pole position. Mercedes’ George Russell also impressed, securing a front-row start alongside Leclerc. The qualifying results have set the stage for a potentially dramatic and unpredictable race, with Verstappen now facing the challenge of fighting his way through the field.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the unexpected difficulties but remained confident in Verstappen’s race pace. “It wasn’t the cleanest session for us, but we know Max can turn things around when it matters most,” he said.
With the championship battle heating up, Verstappen’s qualifying shock adds an extra layer of intrigue heading into race day under the lights in Jeddah. Fans can expect a thrilling contest.
