Max Verstappen will look to extend his dominant start to the 2023 season as he aims to win for a second year in a row Jeddah on Sunday.

The two-time world champion started by defending his World Championship in perfect fashion as he sauntered into first place in Bahrain two weeks ago. The Dutchman was part of a red bull one-two as Sergio Perez took second place Fernando Alonso on the third place.

Mercedes, aston martin, And Ferrari hope they can get closer to the two Red Bulls this weekend and fight for podiums.

conversation topics

Charles Leclerc take a grid penalty

Just one race into the new season and the same issues Ferrari struggled with in 2022 appear to be resurfacing. Charles Leclerc had to retire from service Bahrain Grand Prix with an engine problem when it looked like he was going to secure a spot on the podium.

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The Monegasque will lose at least ten places on the grid on Sunday after Ferrari was forced to use its third electric component of the season, with the FIA ​​only allowing two.

Lewis Hamilton breaks up with Angela Cullen

The seven-time world champion announced on Friday that he has parted ways with his F1 ally and performance coach Angela Cullen, with whom he has worked for seven years.

The New Zealander has managed Hamilton’s four-year season World Championship Streak from 2017 to 2020, she said she was “grateful and blessed” and “excited to embark on a new adventure.”

Max Verstappen’s upset stomach

The only thing that could stop Verstappen from winning his second race of the season is a stomach problem. Red Bull revealed Verstappen was suffering from illness during the week and would be checked ahead of the race weekend.

However, Verstappen made it into the car for Friday’s first practice session and took first place. If he can’t drive on Sunday, then he can Daniel Ricciardo would return to the grid quicker than expected as he is now Red Bull’s reserve driver.

podium predictions

3rd – Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Saudi Arabia is a track where we are almost certain to see a safety car due to the proximity of the walls to the track. In this case, race strategy is crucial. So why do I have a Ferrari in third place? Well I think this is a perfect opportunity for the new team boss, Fred Vaseurto show that the Italian team is a different team this season.

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2nd – Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

I opted for another Red Bull lockout at the top of the grid in Jeddah. They look so strong at the moment and will need a driver to put in a near perfect race if they are to topple Red Bull.

1st – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Assuming he gets over his stomach issue, I expect Verstappen to win again Saudi Arabia and continues his perfect start to the season. However, I expect it to be closer than Bahrain. At least by a few seconds!

Driver to watch out for

Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

The Frenchman had a good race in Jeddah last year and finished in the points Eighth and after a fantastic race in Bahrain where he worked his way up from the back of the grid to ninth in his first race for Alpine I think he could be in the points again.

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If Gasly can secure a better qualifying position he could be well positioned to knock on the door of the two Mercedes and is likely to battle Leclerc with the Ferrari driver struggling with a starting penalty.

race details

where is the race

The race takes place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia.

When is the race?

The race starts on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 5 p.m.

How to follow the race?

In the UK, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 with reporting from 4 p.m.