In the first race of the Formula One season, Max Verstappen showed off his strength by winning the Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position and setting the fastest lap. With his outstanding performance, the Red Bull driver continued his quest for a fourth straight championship.
Verstappen started at the front of the grid and skillfully navigated the Sakhir circuit’s twists and turns, giving his competitors little opportunity to challenge his lead. Sergio Perez, his teammate, trailed him closely and ensured Red Bull had a strong finish. Perez finished 20 seconds behind Verstappen to ensure Red Bull got two podium finishes.
The final podium spot at the Sakhir circuit went to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, with teammate Charles Leclerc following closely in fourth.
Red Bull’s victory raised them to a tie for fourth place in the sport’s all-time win tally with previous champions Williams. Red Bull has won 114 races since joining Formula One two decades ago. With 55 career victories under his belt, Verstappen is still undefeated after leading the championship for an astounding 40 races straight since May 2022 and winning his eighth straight race since September in Japan.
Verstappen, who secured yet another one-two finish, expressed his joy over the team radio, calling the race “simply lovely” and complimenting his team on their outstanding start to the season. The 26-year-old driver, who won 19 of the 22 races in the previous season, demonstrated even more dominance this time around.