Frustrated Max Verstappen bullish about Saudi Arabia GP recovery

 • F1 world champion Max Verstappen had a devastating opening Formula 1 race in Bahrain.  • Both Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez were forced to retire due to engine/fuel problems.  • Verstappen is eager to make up for last week's DNF at the Jeddah Street Circuit. • For more stories, visit Wheels24.

Just days after an enforced retirement, while running second behind Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 24-year-old Dutchman said he wants to return stronger and faster at the high-speed Jeddah Street Circuit.

"Last weekend was a tough one for all of us to take," said Verstappen, who gave vent to his frustrations during the race in a radio exchange with his team before fuel supply problems halted him with four laps remaining.

"It was disappointing. You always say to yourself, and to the team as well, that we have to score points. It doesn't matter if it is first or second in the first race weekend.

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"You could see that. In turn one, I didn't risk too much in the fight with Charles. It was all clean and I was like 'I'm happy with second here', but to lose so many points was very disappointing.

"You know in a championship where sometimes it can be very tight, at the end, these are very important points."

Leclerc won ahead of Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in a resounding 1-2 for the Italian team with Lewis Hamilton taking third place for Mercedes as Verstappen was followed into retirement by Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

It was Ferrari's first win since 2019 and installed them as leaders of the embryonic championship.

"The Jeddah track is still very new for us. Last year, the humidity was challenging," said