STRATEGY UNPACKED: Bernie Collins dissects the fastest lap needle between Perez and Verstappen in Jeddah

Former Aston Martin Head of Race StrategyBernie Collins
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 19: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle RedJEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 19: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Race winner Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate on the podium after the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 19, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Max Verstappen leaves race two of the 2023 season retaining the lead in the World Championship but only by a single point over team mate Sergio Perez. After a disastrous qualifying saw an early exit during Q2 to start on the grid in P15, Verstappen’s side of the garage had an uphill battle to reach the podium.

Suddenly a race from lights to flag with the fastest car on the grid has become complicated, with 14 cars ahead to deal with. So what are the best strategic options to help?