#saudi24

Saturday 9th March 2024

Build-Up:

On Monday 4th March, it is revealed that the FIA President, Mohammed Ban Sulayem, is reportedly under investigation for intervening in the results of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, regarding Fernando Alonso’s penalty

Jos Verstappen tells the Daily Mail that there is tension in Red Bull while Horner remains in the team

Rumours also emerge that Max Verstappen could be moving to Mercedes

On Thursday 7th March, it is announced that the woman who accused Christian Horner of harassment has been suspended by Red Bull

On Friday 8th March, Carlos Sainz pulls out of the race after being diagnosed with appendicitis which required surgery

Sainz is replaced by 18-year-old Ferrari reserve driver, Oliver Bearman, for FP3, qualifying and the Grand Prix on Saturday

Audi confirms that it plans to complete its acquisition of the Sauber organisation ahead of its 2026 Formula 1 entry

Helmet Marko is under investigation over leaks to the media and could face a potential Red Bull suspension

Max Verstappen insists that he cannot continue at Red Bull without Helmut Marko

Race Highlights:

Lando Norris has a jump start at the beginning of the race, which was noted by the stewards, but no penalty is given

Pierre Gasly retires on Lap 1 after reporting a problem with the gearbox during the Formation Lap

Lance Stroll crashes on Lap 7, bringing out the safety car

Kevin Magnussen receives two 10-second penalties, one for causing a collision with Albon and one for overtaking Tsunoda off the track

Sergio Perez receives a 5-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pit lane

After qualifying 11th, Bearman finishes 7th scoring 6 points and putting him 10th in the drivers championship

Race Results:

1st Place: Max Verstappen

2nd Place: Sergio Perez