Saudi Arabian GP: Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was lucky to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner has said Max Verstappen was fortunate enough to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. It was a close race as Verstappen overtook Charles Leclerc in the latter part of the race. Sergio Perez, who started the race in the first position ended in the fourth spot. Fans got a taste of the new ground effect cars and got to see the wheel-to-wheel racing. Follow Formula 1 updates on Insidesport.IN.
Christian Horner said, “It’s great to be on the board. After the difficulty of last weekend, the bounce back from the team was outstanding. That race today, Max paid the team back with a great victory.”
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out
“It was such a competitive race between us and Ferrari today. It was just really fine margins. I was relieved to see the chequered flag. I wish I could have seen it three laps earlier.”
Meanwhile, the other Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez started the race in pole position after having a sensational qualifying session. Max himself started the race in the fourth position. But the biggest shock came in the form of Lewis Hamilton.
Saudi Arabian GP: Sergio Perez happy after clinching his maiden pole position ahead of the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Lewis failed to qualify for the Q2 session as he was eliminated after the Q1 session itself. The last time he failed to qualify for the Q2 session was in the 2017 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Perez started the race on a good note as he was being chased by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. However, the untimely pit stop and the safety car intervention proved to be his downfall. Perez was then fourth and chasing Carlos Sainz for a podium finish.
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out
Verstappen expressed his sympathy for Perez on the team radio. But, Max was quick to pounce on the opportunity and had a great battle with Charles Leclerc throughout the race. However, in the end, it was Max who kept his cool and won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
YES BOYS 🙌 P1☝️
Feels amazing to be on top after such an exciting race 🤩
It was definitely not easy out there today but it’s really nice to battle like that. Very happy we were able to put it all together and kickstart the season 💪#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/3SJlYXFKrc
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 27, 2022
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out
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After the race got completed Christian Horner admitted that Sergio Perez could have won his third race in his career. Horner said, “Checo was desperately unlucky. He made the start, he was controlling the race. He would have won that race if it wasn’t for the safety car intervention.”
“Sometimes they work for you, sometimes they go against you. He is disappointed but he is level about it. He understands there is nothing we could have done. Frustrating for him but he will get a lot out of it.”
It was a crucial result in terms of Red Bull after their disastrous start to the 2022 campaign. Both their cars were forced to retire in Bahrain after having mechanical issues. But now Red Bull are third in the Constructors standings with 37 points to their name.
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out
Their main arch-rivals Mercedes are just one point ahead of them in the Constructors standings with 38 points. George Russell finished the race in the fifth position and Lewis Hamilton settled for a tenth spot finish.
After the two races that have taken place Ferrari looks like the main contender. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have featured on the podium in both these races so far. Round three of Formula 1 this season takes place in Australia from 8th to 10th April.
Saudi Arabian GP: Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admits Max Verstappen was LUCKY to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out