STRATEGY UNPACKED: Bernie Collins dissects the fastest lap needle between Perez and Verstappen in Jeddah

Mar 22, 2023 12:30pm UTC

Former Aston Martin Head of Race StrategyBernie Collins

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 19: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red

Max Verstappen leaves race two of the 2023 season retaining the lead in the World Championship but only by a single point over team mate Sergio Perez. After a disastrous qualifying saw an early exit during Q2 to start on the grid in P15, Verstappen’s side of the garage had an uphill battle to reach the podium.

Suddenly a race from lights to flag with the fastest car on the grid has become complicated, with 14 cars ahead to deal with. So what are the best strategic options to help?