Red Bull driver Max Verstappen tops FP2 in Jeddah ahead of Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen continued his red-hot form to top the FP2 standings under the lights ahead of Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez finished third with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso sandwiched in between, a narrow 0.208 seconds adrift of the current champion. Ad It wasn’t all plain sailing for Verstappen, though — who won the season opener in Bahrain two weeks ago — as he reported “really bad” problems with the downshift over the team radio.

Saudi Arabian Grand PrixHamilton announces split with long-term physio Cullen4 HOURS AGO When an engineer asked if the problem occurred on any particular areas of the track, Verstappen answered: «The last corner is really ****.» BWT Alpine’s Esteban Ocon finished the day in fourth while Mercedes’ George Russell wrapped up the top five. Charles Leclerc was quick enough for the top 10 where he finished 9th, but will endure a 10-place grid penalty due to his retirement from the season-opening race in Bahrain. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) finished in positions six, seven and eight respectively.

Lewis Hamilton finished 11th on the day the Mercedes driver announced the departure of his long-term physiotherapist, while Carlos Sainz finished 0.251s behind Ferrari team-mate Leclerc in 10th. FP2 STANDINGS 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 2.

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 3. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 4. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) 5.

George Russell (Mercedes) 6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 8.

Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) 9. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 10. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 11.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 12. Lando Norris (McLaren) 13. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) 14.