Verstappen wins the F1 opener

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-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.

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."*