Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel praised Norris as a "real role model" and said the Formula 1 leader's open self-criticism was a strength rather than weakness. However, McLaren boss Andrea Stella said Norris was "unfair on himself" when criticising his driving, adding he's "not clicking" with the car.

– Sunday: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, 50 laps of the 6.2-kilometer (3.8-mile) Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

All the ingredients then for a thrilling race under floodlights on Jeddah's Corniche. Alpine finally got off the ground in Bahrain, with Pierre Gasly picking up their first points of the season in seventh.