Formula 1 is back on track in their 2nd race of the 2023 world championship, and the NASCAR Cup stars head to Atlanta with a shortened 400-mile race instead of the traditional 500-mile race

F1 Saudi Arabian Grand prix

1st Sergio Perez

Checo earned his first F1 pole at this race last year and early on looked like he would get on the top step of the podium. But after an ill-timed safety car after he made his first pitstop, he would not even see the podium. Now, on pole again, Perez is aiming for redemption.

2nd Fernando Alonso

What a start that Aston Martin had in Bahrain. The hype train had Alonso possibly winning that race, but Red Bull was just too quick. I'll admit I was impressed to see Alonso get podium number 99. A 100th podium looks like a possibility this weekend however and he can join a select few drivers to have 100 Formula One podiums.

3rd Max Verstappen

Proof that you can't predict everything that happens in racing. Everyone had Max Verstappen sitting on pole for this race, but an engine issue saw him qualify in 15th place. Still, people believe the 2-time world champion can win which I think is a little too much. Yes he won 2 straight races last year from outside the top 10 but his teammate is honestly strong at street courses plus Alonso will defend like a lion. A podium finish will still be a strong day for Max.

Atlanta NASCAR:
Denny Hamlin

The driver of the 11 car has been surrounded by controversy this past week. Hamlin was fined $50,000 and penalized 25 points for his actions against Ross Chastain at Phoenix on the last restart. Before Denny initially decided to just accept the penalty, but later on, he changed his mind and decided to appeal it. While Denny hasn't finished thaxt well to start off the year he is running better than he finished. In the 500 he was in the top 10 before getting wrecked on the last lap, Las Vegas had a top 5 finish going before a late caution, and would have gotten a top 10 at Phoenix if a late caution didn't happen either. A drafting track suits Hamlin well and he'll be looking to be talked about for a better reason, getting win number 49 matching 3-time Cup champion Tony Stewart for 15th on the all-time wins list.