- Engine failure sees defending champion start in 15th
- Red Bull teammate Pérez joined on front row by Charles Leclerc
Max Verstappen suffered an engine failure in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, allowing his teammate Sergio Pérez to take pole position for Sunday’s race.
Verstappen, the double world champion, had been the odds-on favourite to qualify fastest in Jeddah after more dominant performances in qualifying. However, the Dutchman was unable to set a time in Q2 after mechanical drama struck his Red Bull. It means he will start only 15th for Sunday’s race.