Saudi Arabian GP: Ferrari on top again?
Formula 1 heads to the Jeddah Corniche circuit for the second time in its history, and the second time in four races.
After a dramatic and controversial debut to the calendar in 2021, what lies in store for us this time?
How things stand?
Charles Leclerc leads the way after his opening round victory in Bahrain, where he collected maximum points with the bonus fastest lap point, as well as pole position on Saturday.
Defending world champion Max Verstappen failed to score after his late DNF, as did his Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez.
Carlos Sainz followed his team mate Leclerc home for a 2nd place finish in Bahrain and will be hoping to be closer to his Monegasque rival than in Sakhir.
Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton had a low key beginning to their campaign although they did pick up 3rd & 4th with Hamilton and Russell. They will be hoping for a cure to their porpoising issues this weekend.
Haas and Alfa Romeo scored big points in the opening round and will be hoping that the Ferrari power-unit will again prove to be capable of propelling them into the points again.
McLaren had a terrible weekend in the Bahrain kingdom, reaching the chequered flag 14th and 15th, with brake temperature problems plaguing the Woking based team.
Without any further ado, it’s time to make some predictions!
Pole Position – Max Verstappen
I tipped Max for pole last week but this layout will favour a Red Bull that can shift down the straights and the RB18 displayed plenty of grunt with the Red Bull powertrain.
Ferrari will be there again and it would not be a surprise to me if it is Max and Charles on the front row again.
Max will also want to rectify his error from qualifying in Jeddah last time out.
Race Win – Charles Leclerc
Ferrari are back and Charles delivered the goods in Bahrain. If the race is as chaotic as the first edition last December, any (and all!) predictions are fraught with peril.
A safety car or red flag is a high chance, as is the risk of damage resulting in an unscheduled pit stop.
I’m plumping for Charles to get the better of everyone again, he appears to be the driver most in the groove with the new regulations and the car he has.
My other choice is Sergio Perez, who had a tendency to prevail amongst carnage like he did in Baku last year.
Podium
1st Charles Leclerc
2nd Max Verstappen
3rd Sergio Perez
Points
4th Carlos Sainz
5th Lewis Hamilton
6th George Russell
7th Kevin Magnussen
8th Pierre Gasly
9th Mick Schumacher
10th Valtteri Bottas
Leave your predictions in the comments or send me a message on Twitter!
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