Formula One: Perez on pole for Red Bull in Saudi Arabia GP for second year

McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice in Formula One F1 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - March 18, 2023. - Reuters

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, March 19 (AP): Sergio Perez stepped up for Red Bull to ensure the team started from the pole at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a mechanical issue sidelined two-time defending world champion Max Verstappen.

Verstappen was fastest in all three practice sessions at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit but his qualifying effort was cut short Saturday when he radioed "I have a problem. Engine, engine problem,” during the second session.