Dutch driver Max Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing, who clinched pole position, receives the Pirelli Pole Position Award from Gianluigi Buffon in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 08, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The three-time Formula 1 world champion defender easily secured the top spot in the final qualifying session at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, leaving second-placed Charles Leclerc’s time behind by over three tenths of a second.

Verstappen got off to a great start in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, securing victory in the first race in Bahrain from pole position, as he aims to clinch his fourth consecutive drivers’ title.

Fortunately for the Dutch driver, Red Bull Racing has provided him with a highly competitive RB20, which is proving to be as dominant as the record-breaking RB19 from last year.

Despite distractions and controversies surrounding his team, Verstappen seems fully focused on maintaining his impressive form and staying ahead of his rivals.

Reflecting on his exceptional performance, the 26-year-old driver expressed his admiration for the team and the impeccable car they have built for him. He stated: “I really enjoyed today. The car was a pleasure to drive, and there was a significant improvement compared to yesterday.”

“We made some adjustments to the car overnight, resulting in a fantastic setup that allowed me to attack the high-speed corners and improve my performance on a single lap.”

“Confidence plays a crucial role on this track, and today I felt very comfortable with the car, pushing it to the limit.”

During an interview with Sky Sports F1, the Dutch driver joked about a pole position lap in 2021 that ended tragically when he crashed at the last corner.