Max Verstappen wins Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen came in first at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Max Verstappen bounces back to win F1's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

By Adam Stites | Last updated 3/27/22

Charles Leclerc led 47 of the 50 laps at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but he couldn't hold off defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen who took the lead with three laps left and got the win.

Verstappen, 24, needed a strong finish Sunday after a disastrous start to the season a week ago. In the first race of the year, Verstappen was headed for a podium finish and was hunting down race leader Leclerc when he lost power and finished second to last. This time around, he managed to make up the gap on Leclerc and get the victory.

MAX VERSTAPPEN LEADS!!!#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/fBB2N1jGOC
— Mr Matthew F1 (@Mr_Matthew_) March 27, 2022

Leclerc, 24, still has the lead in the driver standings after finishing first and second in the first two races of the year. His Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz is second after finishing in third place Sunday.

While Leclerc wasn't able to lead from start to finish and begin his season with back-to-back wins, he was still in good spirits after a "fun" time on the track.

CHARLES: "It wasn't enough today, but oh my god, I really enjoyed that race! It's hard racing but it's fair, every race should be like this. It was fun, I'm obviously disappointed, I wanted to win today"#SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/TeahMuxPjs
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 27, 2022