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Verstappen, start, Saudi

Hamilton Verstappen battle headlines Saudi red-flag drama

Verstappen, start, Saudi — Photo: © LAT Images
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Hamilton Verstappen battle headlines Saudi red-flag drama

Two red flags were triggered in the first 16 laps

The F1 title battle headlined the early drama in a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix twice red-flagged for incidents in the first 15 laps.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes were in control when Mick Schumacher caused the first stoppage when damaging the barriers at turns 22 and 23 in a heavy accident in his Haas.

Mercedes had pitted in the safety car period ahead of the red flags being ordered, allowing championship leader Max Verstappen to take the lead and swap tyres without needing to make a pit stop.

Hamilton was left fuming on the team radio, constantly asking his team just why the red flags were required

After Hamilton seemingly dropped more than the obliged 10 car lengths behind his rival in the build-up to the second start, the Briton took the lead into turn one only to see the Dutchman cut across the second corner to retake position.

Esteban Ocon made his way into second as Hamilton was hampered whilst carnage ensued behind as Charles Leclerc turned around Sergio Perez, with George Russell rear-ended nastily by Nikita Mazepin.

That brought out the second red-flag period, with the FIA dropping Verstappen to third ahead of the second restart after a lengthy exchange with the Red Bull pit wall behind Ocon on pole and Hamilton.

With Red Bull switching back to mediums for the lap 17 restart and Hamilton on hards, Verstappen stole the march to retake the lead, with Hamilton trailing in second.

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