---
title: "F1: Verstappen, Red Bull Back in Winning Form After Thrilling Finish in Saudi Arabia"
description: "After several nail-biting laps, Verstappen managed to stay ahead of both Ferraris. Mercedes had to settle for fifth and tenth place."
date: "2022-03-27"
modified: "2022-03-27"
authors:
  - name: "Nico DeMattia"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/44940/f1-verstappen-red-bull-back-in-winning-form-after-thrilling-finish-in-saudi-arabia"
categories:
  - "F1"
  - "News"
  - "Racing"
---

# F1: Verstappen, Red Bull Back in Winning Form After Thrilling Finish in Saudi Arabia

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2022/03/GettyImages-1388033808.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

After a disappointing Formula 1 season-opening [Bahrain Grand Prix](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/44845/red-bull-kicks-off-2022-f1-season-by-choking-at-the-bahrain-grand-prix>) last weekend, in which both Red Bull cars failed to finish the race, Max Verstappen managed to secure his and the team's first win of the season at the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia today.

[Trying to make it two in a row, Charles Leclerc led with his Ferrari](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/44846/ferrari-seems-to-be-on-top-of-f1-after-2022s-first-race-heres-how>) for most of the race, with Verstappen always following close behind. It wasn't until the final laps, however, that the two turned up the excitement and traded the lead back and forth several times. In lap 43 (of 50), the two drivers locked up their tires at the same time under heavy braking, potentially flat-spotting their Pirelli rubbers going into the final corner. But Leclerc floored got a better exit out of the corner and managed to stay ahead of Verstappen thanks to DRS.

https://twitter.com/_/status/1508167095716098048

However, in lap 46, Verstappen, with a patient move also using his DRS advantage at the perfect time, was able to pass Leclerc and hold enough margin to the Monegasque as the race wound to a close. The two battled hard and, as Leclerc fought to regain his lead, Verstappen could be heard over the radio complaining of Leclerc going too fast through a yellow flag. Despite Leclerc pushing as hard as he could, though, Verstappen never let go of his lead and took the win in [Saudi Arabia](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/44899/it-wasnt-even-a-dream-reema-juffali-on-being-saudi-arabias-first-pro-woman-driver>).

The final result was Verstappen first, Leclerc second, Carlos Sainz third, and pole-sitter Sergio Perez—who had an unlucky race due to pit strategy—fourth. Mercedes had a nightmare of a day with George Russell finishing fifth and Lewis Hamilton 10th.

“It was a good race, we were battling hard," Verstappen told the media after the race, per [*The Guardian*](<https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2022/mar/27/saudi-arabian-grand-prix-f1-live>). "We just had to play the long game, the tires were wearing out quite quick. It wasn’t easy but eventually, I managed to get ahead - I’m just really happy to kickstart the season.”

Right behind Leclerc was his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, giving Ferrari a two-three podium finish. While that doesn’t quite take the sting away from losing out to Verstappen, there’s some solace to be had for Ferrari in a well-fought race.

![message-editor%2F1648410231640-gettyimages-1388032751.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1648410231640-gettyimages-1388032751.jpg>)
**Getty**

“It wasn’t enough today but oh my god—I really enjoyed that race!" Leclerc said after the race. "It was hard racing, but fair … every race should be like this. We are in a street track, we’ve been pushing like I’ve rarely pushed before, so there is respect. But I’m also a little disappointed.”

Verstappen's patience—which had rarely been witnessed before—ultimately put Red Bull back on the map. This, along with the absence of reliability issues, will be crucial to getting over last week’s disappointment and moving on with the rest of the season.

*Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com*

## Author
Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/ndemattia/>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nico-demattia-90885540/>)