'What a lap' - Red Bull's Sergio Perez delighted with first-ever pole at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Sergio Perez was delighted with his first Formula 1 pole as he set the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. The Mexican became the first driver from his country to record a pole with the same lap, and his late, late effort put him ahead of both the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc (second) and Carlos Sainz (third) who had appeared set for a lockout. Ad/> Instead it is the Red Bull’s race to lose from the lights tomorrow, though the close back-and-forth between the Austrian and Italian teams suggests it could be tough for anyone to secure a win.

Saudi Arabian Grand PrixSecond practice, delayed by fire at Jeddah oil depot, ends with Leclerc on topYESTERDAY AT 19:57 «What a lap,» Perez said after the race. «I can do a 1,000 laps and I don't think I can beat that lap, it was unbelievable. »We were not really expecting too much from qualifying, we were focusing mainly on the race, so hopefully we get them tomorrow." Sainz, who said he had struggled compared to his Monegasque teammate last week, again had mixed feelings with his performance.

Perez takes pole in Saudi Arabia as Hamilton's struggles continue with Q1 failure Hamilton out in Q1 at Saudi GP qualifying as Mercedes struggles continue Wolff: The drivers were 'united' in decision to race despite missile attack «The lap for P3 was pretty good. It was on a used tyre because the used tyre for some reason this weekend is giving me a better feeling,» he explained… «It's going to be exciting — all four cars mixed up. So we will play around with each other with strategy and passes, which should make for an exciting race.» Leclerc acknowledged Perez’s efforts, while being content with his efforts.

/> «The lap felt good, honestly. I am very happy with the lap. All