SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — New season, another win. Max Verstappen won Bahrain to open the season grand opening from pole position on Sunday, leading nearly the entire race as he opened the door to defending his consecutive Formula 1 titles.
Red Bull also won an overwhelming 1-2 with Sergio Perez coming in second while 41 years old Fernando Alonso took a brilliant third place – and claimed his 99th career podium – in a stunning race debut for Aston Martin.
“I’m so proud of you guys,” Alonso happily told his team.
It was Verstappen’s 36th career win but the Dutchman’s first at the flooded Sakhir circuit, where he withdrew after just the final lap in last year’s inaugural race.
“It was exactly the start of the season that we needed,” Verstappen said.
This time it’s Charles Leclerc, after last year’s win, who retired to Round 41 of 57 when Ferrari energy loss.
“No, no, no, no,” Leclerc pleaded over the radio as his car slowed to a stop. Ferrari changed the engine battery before the race but that didn’t stop Leclerc from getting off to a bad start next year such a nasty season in 2022.
“No more strength. It’s a pity because on these weekends you have to maximize the points,” said Leclerc. “Unfortunately, we took a step back and Red Bull is on another planet. Third is the best we can hope for.”
Leclerc’s retirement spooked Ferrari, and Carlos Sainz Jr. didn’t even bother trying to defend against Alonso – perhaps out of concern that he might lose his strength – and Aston Martin got past him with 11 laps left.
Sainz finished fourth first seven times F1 champion Lewis Hamilton in fifth place ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in sixth. Hamilton’s teammate George Russell was seventh for Mercedes.
Verstappen starts from column with Perez by his side. Leclerc and Sainz in the second row with Alonso is 41 years old go from Thursday.
sergeant loganThe first American driver to participate since 2015, finished 12th after starting from 16th.
Stroll’s performance was impressive as he missed the pre-season test because of an injury in a bike crash that required minor surgery on his right wrist.
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