Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix opener, leading from start to finish. Despite competitive practice sessions suggesting a tighter competition, Max Verstappen demonstrated superior performance, with teammate Sergio Perez securing a solid 1-2 for Red Bull.
Max Verstappen successfully defended against an early challenge from Charles Leclerc before widening the gap and maintaining it throughout the race.
Perez showcased his prowess by climbing through the field to claim a podium finish, while Leclerc struggled with tire issues, settling for fourth ahead of George Russell. Carlos Sainz clinched the final podium spot, with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren Mercedes, and Aston Martin dominating the top ten.
Sainz showcased his skills in his final Ferrari season, overtaking Leclerc twice on track, but fell short of catching Perez for second place in the closing stages. Lewis Hamilton struggled, finishing seventh between the two McLarens.
Verstappen expressed his delight after the race, stating,
“Unbelievable. I think today went even better than expected. I think the car was really nice to drive on every compound. I think we had a lot of pace and it was just super enjoyable to drive today. We stayed out of trouble and it’s a great start of the year, it couldn’t have been better.”
“It was a lot of fun and I felt really good in the car. It’s always very special to have this kind of day because they don’t happen that often where it all goes perfectly and you are at one with the car.”
Second-place Perez said:
“I think it was the maximum we could have achieved. It was quite a tricky race with the management of the tires, there’s plenty we will learn from tonight’s race which will be important for the championship. But overall it’s a great way to start the season.
“It was really [tyre] compound to compound the amount of sliding we were having. We were having some issues with the engine braking, the driveability, which is not easy around here.”
