Verstappen wins again, Alonso reminds everyone of his talent

Max Verstappen’s dominant Bahrain Grand Prix victory seemed normal by his high standards.

The surprise of the Formula One season opening race? Fernando Alonso in a stunning third place on his debut for Aston Martin.

Verstappen cruised to the win Sunday as he opened his defense of his back-to-back world championships. His dominance put all the focus on the rest of the field and it was Alonso who stole the show with his first podium in 26 races — a performance that came 13 years after he won in Bahrain with Ferrari.

The Spaniard felt Aston Martin had a fighting chance after preseason testing, and he was strong all weekend in Bahrain in spectacular debut with his new organization.

“I had the same feeling from testing — it’s too good to be true,” Alonso said. “But it seems real. I could have driven for another hour on the track.”

Alonso has now kicked off “Mission 33,′ the catchphrase his fans created as he chases a 33rd career F1 victory. The 41-year-old is a two-time world champion but last won a grand prix 10 years ago.

“I would say yes, when you are P3 in race one, anything can happen in 22 races,” Alonso said of his chances at winning a race this year.

Verstappen’s mastery, meanwhile, is becoming increasingly commonplace. He won a record 15 races last year and led almost the entire race on Sunday as Red Bull clinched a 1-2 finish.

Sergio Perez finished second, but a full 12 seconds behind his teammate.

As Red Bull celebrated, the spotlight shifted to Alonso and Aston Martin, which also got a sixth-place finish from Lance Stroll.

“What have you done guys? What have you done?” a jubilant Alonso radioed his team. “I’m so proud.”

Alonso, who joined after an acrimonious split with Alpine, pumped his fist at the finish line and then hugged his race crew.

“To finish on the podium first race of the year is just amazing,” Alonso said. “What Aston Martin did over the winter to have the second best car on race one is just unreal.”