Max Verstappen made it two wins out of two in 2024 with an emphatic win at the Saudi Grand Prix – a result that also raised the Red Bull driver's bar in terms of podium finishes in Formula 1.
Verstappen is now on a nine-race winning streak dating back to last year's Japanese Grand Prix, and he never looked like he would be under much pressure in Saturday night's race after his first ever pole position at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
READ MORE: Verstappen secures victory at Saudi Grand Prix as Pearman scores points on debut
After crossing the finish line eight seconds ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez – who was pleased with his team's improved performance compared to Bahrain a week ago – Verstappen was asked what it meant to him to take his 100th podium finish in just 187th place. Grand prize.
“That's 88 podiums lost!” “Of course, I'm very happy about it, but I'm not really a guy who looks at stats, so I'm just happy to get to 100,” he joked, adding: “But of course I want to keep going, and just focus on the race.” The race is to achieve the best possible result all the time.”
Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2024: Verstappen crosses the finish line to claim victory under the lights in Jeddah
With Red Bull overcoming the early safety car in Saudi Arabia – because Lance Stroll hit the wall At Turn 23 – securing second place for the second time in as many races, the team now leads in second place Ranking of manufacturers 38 points ahead of Ferrari, and Verstappen added: “I think overall, of course, a great weekend for the whole team but also from my side, I felt really good with the car, and it was also the same in the race.
“Of course the last stint was a little longer than we would have liked, but with the safety car, we had to push through. So, the last few laps, with those back markers as well, with the cold tyres, were a bit slippery but we had a good pace so we managed it.” “Very well. Overall, very, very happy.”
While Verstappen may have been leading the event at the front of the field, the Dutch driver – who drives his teammate Perez Drivers ranking A 15-point lead – overshadowed by the performance of 18-year-old Ferrari replacement driver Carlos Sainz. Super sub Uli Biermannwho finished seventh in his debut with Ferrari, ahead of his British colleagues Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
But Verstappen was generous in his praise of the teenager after the race, telling the press that the Ferrari driver was “fantastic”. He continued: “I spoke quickly to him, of course – I hope he's very happy with himself. I think he is!
Facts & Stats: Biermann made four Britons in points for the first time since 1968
“I think he will sleep well tonight and I think he definitely showed himself on the track in front of everyone, he did an absolutely fantastic job on one of the toughest tracks on the calendar.”
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.