The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix began with polesitter Pérez losing the lead to Alonso at the start, but he retook first place in the early laps. Alonso received a five-second penalty for an incorrect starting position, while Verstappen began a rapid recovery from 15th on the grid. In the middle phase Lance Stroll stopped on track, bringing out the safety car and compressing pit strategies. After the restart Verstappen climbed to second, but Pérez maintained enough pace to protect the lead. Pérez won, Verstappen completed another Red Bull one-two, and Alonso ultimately kept third after a post-race penalty review.