Verstappen opens with win in Bahrain
SAKHIR, Bahrain – New season, another victory. Max Verstappen won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, leading almost the entire race as he began the defense of his back-to-back Formula One titles.
Red Bull also clinched a dominant 1-2 with Sergio Perez finishing 12 seconds behind him in second spot while 41year-old Fernando Alonso took a brilliant third place – and claimed a 99th career podium – on a stunning race debut for Aston Martin.
“What have you done guys? What have you done?” a jubilant Alonso told his team. “I’m so proud of you guys.”
Alonso’s fans are already labelling this season as “Mission 33” – hopeful the Spanish driver can win a 33rd career race. His last win was 10 years ago with Ferrari.
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.”
Alonso believes he can win a race this season.
“I would say yes, when you are P3 in race one,” he said. “Anything can happen in 22 races with different conditions.”
It was Verstappen’s 36th career win but the Dutchman’s first at the flood-lit Sakhir circuit, where he retired just laps from the end in last year’s opening race.
“That was exactly the start to the season we needed,” said Verstappen, who retired from three of his first four career races in Bahrain. “I’m very happy to finally win a race here.”
Both Red Bulls failed to finish here in 2022.
“Our best start ever, much different to last year,” Perez said. “I’m comfortable with the car.”
This time it was Charles Leclerc, after
winning last year, who retired on Lap 41 of 57 when his Ferrari lost power.
“No, no, no, no,” pleaded Leclerc over his radio as his car slowed to a stop.