'What on earth': F1 fans stunned by 'awful' Daniel Ricciardo drama

F1 fans have been left shattered for Daniel Ricciardo after the Aussie driver's start to the season went from bad to worse in Saudi Arabia.

Defending world champion Max Verstappen came back from the disappointment of Bahrain to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.

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Forty-eight hours after a nearby missile strike threatened to cancel the second round of the new season, Verstappen claimed the first victory of his title defence following a thrilling battle with Charles Leclerc that went to the wire.

Verstappen's Red Bull crossed the line only half-a-second ahead of the Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz third and pole-sitter Sergio Perez fourth.

However it was absolute disaster for Ricciardo, who was forced to retire on the 37th lap as his woeful start to the season got even worse.

In embarrassing scenes, Marshals were forced to push the 32-year-old's car out of the way after it came to a complete stop near the entry to pit lane after suffering engine troubles.

The Aussie driver finished 14th in the season-opening race in Bahrain last week and then had troubles in qualifying in Saudi Arabia.

He initially qualified 12th before being handed a grid penalty for blocking Esteban Ocon.

F1 fas were left in disbelief over the Aussie's diabolical start to the new season, with Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas also retiring from the race at the same time.

Max Verstappen bounces back to win Saudi Arabia GP

George Russell finished fifth for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton back in 10th on an evening to forget for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton, who started 15th following one of the worst qualifying performances of his career, made good progress through the field to move up as high as sixth.

But with safety car interruptions coming at bad times for the team's tyre strategy he ended up 10th.

Up front, Leclerc and Verstappen were involved in a tantalising battle for victory for the second time in a week.

On lap 42, Verstappen fought his way past Leclerc at the final corner, only for the Monegasque to move back ahead of the world champion on the main straight.

At the end of lap 46, Verstappen learnt his lesson and fixed his Red Bull on to the back of Leclerc's Ferrari gearbox through the final bend before using the tow and DRS to roar past his rival on the main straight.

Leclerc hustled Verstappen to the line, but the Dutch driver kept his composure to win.

Leclerc leads Ferrari teammate Sainz in the championship, with Verstappen 20 points adrift following his late retirement in Bahrain a week ago.

"It was a really tough race but good race. We battled hard and we had to play the long game," Verstappen said.

"It wasn't easy, we were playing smart tricks in the final corner, but we managed to get ahead. We are happy that we finally kick-started the season."

Leclerc, who won the opening round in Bahrain, added: "It wasn't enough today, but I really enjoyed that race.

"It is hard racing but fair. And every race should be like this. I wanted to win today. Max did a great job."

Mick Schumacher did not start his Haas after a massive qualifying crash but was in the paddock before the race and declared himself unhurt.

with AAP

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