F1 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Free Practice Results (3)

• Charles Leclerc outpaces Max Verstappen in final practice
• ‘No reason to leave’ - F1 bosses defend decision to race after attack

Formula 1 returns to Saudi Arabia just over three months since its inaugural race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The first-ever race in Saudi Arabia was a thriller with title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton going head-to-head for the race victory.

The pair came to blows on more than one occasion with Hamilton ultimately taking the victory, even though he had a damaged front wing after hitting the back of Verstappen who was deemed to have brake tested the seven-time champion.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Ferrari will go into the race with great confidence after taking a 1-2 finish at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc won from pole position ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz to claim Ferrari's first win since 2019.

Mercedes secured a 3-4 after both Red Bulls retired from the race in the closing laps due to a fuel pump-related issue.

Haas and Alfa Romeo enjoyed their best races in some time with Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas finishing inside the top six. 

On the other hand, McLaren and Williams endured very difficult races as they battled Williams at the back of the grid.

All of the Mercedes-powered teams struggled for straight-line speed in Bahrain but it's still early days to say whether the German manufacturer has taken a step back in engine performance.

The Jeddah circuit has undergone some minor changes in a bid to improve safety, particularly at some of the tight corners which are blind for the drivers.

It's likely to be another battle between Red Bull and Ferrari at the front.

Recent Saudi Arabian GP winners:

2021 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)