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Saudi Arabian GP Race Debrief

The 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was an eventful evening under the lights as there were battles all up the field and a few controversies and questionable decisions along the way.

Red Bull: This season looks to be Red Bull’s to lose as they take another 1-2 but this time the other way around. Perez dominated the race from lights to flag and took yet another street race victory while Verstappen fought through the field to claim P2.

Mercedes: A confusing evening for George Russell after he was ‘fighting like a madman’ to ensure that he was a beneficiary of Alonso’s inevitable penalty that was then revoked. Hamilton put a decent fight in to take P5.

Aston Martin: A mixed day for the Aston Martin team as everyone thought Alonso lost out on his 100th podium despite partaking in the ceremony due to the FIA taking an absolute age to decide whether he served his penalty correctly or not then changed their mind. Stroll failed to finish the race due to mechanical failure.

Ferrari: After being disadvantaged by the safety car, Ferrari failed to make inroads on the cars ahead with Sainz taking P6 and Leclerc fighting back to finish just behind in P7.

Alpine: Another strong but uneventful drive for the Alpine pair as they both scored points. Ocon was ahead in P8 with Gasly P9.

Haas: A solitary point for Haas after Magnussen drove well into P10. Hulkenberg also put in a decent performance to take P12.

AlphaTauri: Still not a point on the board for AlphaTauri as they have another slightly dull week. Tsunoda did well to take P11 (so close) and De Vries wasn’t miles behind in P14.

Alfa Romeo: A disappointing day for Alfa Romeo as Zhou lost positions to come P13 and Bottas languished at the back after having problems leaving P18.

McLaren: A poor performance from McLaren as both drivers were engaged in contact and had to have replacement front wings with the pair then fighting between each other in the final stages with Piastri the victor in P15.

Williams: A woeful day for Williams as Sargeant fell down the order into P16 and Albon’s brake issues led to him having to retire from the race relatively early on.

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One response to “Saudi Arabian GP Race Debrief”

  1. David Sperry aka BigHemi Avatar
    David Sperry aka BigHemi

    Gabriella, this long Saudi Arabian track is so well designed that I find it hard to believe that it is dismantled and taken down each year. Is there such a thing as a “permanent “ street course? The race was exciting, both for the on track action and the off track drama.

    The stewards were really hard on Alonso. I thought the original 5 second penalty for being a few inches off center at the start was questionable. I can’t see it gave him any advantage. And then the second penalty, to be decided after the race, should have been cleared up before the Podium Ceremony.

    The videos of the pit stop clearly showed that the rear jack did brush against the car during the 5 second penalty, but that no work was done on the car during this period. The Aston Martin lawyers quickly put together a protest letter showing that this had occurred on 7 similar occasions WITHOUT penalty. So Alonso’s additional 10 second penalty was reversed and he was reinstated. Unfortunately George lost out but the podium ceremony turned out to be correct.

    McLaren and Williams seem to be off to a bad start. Piastrai especially must be wondering if he joined the right team.

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