Max Verstappen 'really happy' with Saudi Arabian Grand Prix win as Charles Leclerc gives 'respect' to champion

Max Verstappen was delighted to get his first win of the new Formula 1 season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Verstappen started in fourth behind both Ferraris, with his Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz in with his first-ever pole. Ad/> However, it was the Dutch world champion who ultimately emerged victorious after numerous yellow flags interrupted the race strategy of ever rider, and in the last few laps it was the Red Bull man who claimed the win.

Saudi Arabian Grand PrixHamilton aiming to pass 'as many as I can' with 'undriveable' Mercedes2 HOURS AGO He and his Monegasque Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc swapped pole as they had in the Bahrain Grand Prix last week, but this time it was Verstappen who was able to hold onto the lead when it mattered. Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Verstappen explained that patience was key to the victory. «It was really tough but a good race.

We were battling hard at the front and we just tried to play the long game,” he said. Verstappen wins Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after epic battle with Leclerc Mercedes performance 'totally unacceptable', says Wolff Schumacher cites 'car presentation' after crash for Saudi Arabian GP absence »They were really quick through the corners and we were really quick on the straight. The tyres were wearing our quite quickly around here «You could see at the end, we had a little bit more pace.

It wasn't easy but eventually managed to get ahead. »I'm really happy that we've finally kick-started the season." Second-placed Leclerc was pleased with his own efforts, and he remains top of the leaderboard going into the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The 24-year-old Ferrari driver admitted that he had enjoyed the race despite losing the lead late on in the