Verstappen vs. Leclerc shaping up as F1 rivalry of 2022
By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Auto Racing Writer
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Formula One defending champion Max Verstappen overtook Charles Leclerc three laps from the end of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for his first win of the season and 21st of his career. The race under floodlights was held two days after an attack on a nearby oil depot by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Leclerc was aiming for back-to-back victories after winning the season-opener in Bahrain last Sunday but Verstappen overtook him on Lap 47 of 50 after some thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing. Leclerc remains top after two races. Lewis Hamilton got one point for Mercedes in 10th place after starting 15th.