A look ahead to Jeddah with an eye on Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes

Verstappen fit again after stomach flu

The winner in Bahrain is also considered the favourite in Jeddah, but it was revealed yesterday that Max Verstappen was ill this week and would therefore appear at the circuit a day later than planned.

"I am feeling well again after not being fit for a few days because of stomach flu. I have therefore postponed my flight by a day, so I will not be at the track until Friday," the Red Bull driver tweeted. According to himself, he is now fit again, so hopefully his illness will have no impact on the track.

Last year, Verstappen had some comments on the track about poor visibility in some corners, but after some adjustments he was more positive: "The track changes that have been made were mainly for visibility, so hopefully it has improved things a bit for us as drivers. Because in some places it was absolutely dangerous," said Verstappen, who xame first in Saudi Arabia last year. "It's a very cool street circuit, with quite a lot of grip, so I always like going there to race."

All eyes on Alonso

Verstappen may start as favourite, but Fernando Alonso can count on the support of the crowd. After his brilliant and surprising podium finish behind the two Red Bulls at the season-opening race in Bahrain a fortnight ago, the 41-year-old Spaniard has created high expectations for this weekend and the rest of the season.

Alonso knows that the lightning-fast circuit presents a very different challenge for man and machine: "I think we noticed in Bahrain that we were strong in things that we might not have in Jeddah or Melbourne," he explained, "So if we are strong again in these two races, I think we will have a very good year."

Alonso is very positive about the car he drives: "I think the car we have now is just very basic, a completely new concept launched for this season, so I think we have a lot more to come in terms of development and I am optimistic."

Pérez goes for the podium and maybe more

Sergio Pérez, who finished fourth last year after starting from pole position, will try to prove that he has more value than the supporting role for leading driver Verstappen on the kind of track that usually suits his style:

"Last year I was unlucky with the timing of a safety car," he said, "This time it will be interesting."

Grid penalty for Leclerc

Ferrari, under new management and hopeful for the season, will also want to make a statement at a circuit where they finished second and third last year, but are already starting with a disadvantage, as Charles Leclerc has been given a 10-place grid penalty for bringing a new control electronics box. This part had also been replaced before the start of the race a fortnight ago, while according to FIA regulations this is only allowed once in a season. It was then this part that caused Leclerc's engine problems, which is why Ferrari swallowed his grid penalty.

"Unfortunately, twice it was the control electronics box and it was an ailment we have never had to deal with in the past," said team boss Fred Vasseur. "I hope we have it under control now. We have analysed it extensively, but unfortunately we have to take the penalty in Jeddah for granted."

Morale low at Mercedes

After a disappointing performance at the season opener, Mercedes needs a much better showing to boost morale. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell struggled at speed in Bahrain and it seems the British could suffer the same fate on Sunday.

"We have made a few small adjustments to the car," said team boss Toto Wolff. "They are not gamebreakers, but they can steer us in the right direction."

Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors' titles before Red Bull took over the crown last year. If the team slumps even further, it could lead to radical reforms and the end of the W14 car.

It promises to be a fun, lightning-fast race in Jeddah and we look forward to the first free practice today.

Our prediction of the podium on Sunday: 1. Verstappen 2. Pérez 3. Leclerc.