Any doubts that the F1 paddock had about Max Verstappen losing his hunger quickly evaporated as the defending world champion stormed to win in the season-opening Bahrain GP.
Verstappen, who won a record number of races last year, appeared to be in a league of his own once again finishing 11.987s quicker than his teammate and closest challenger Sergio Perez for Red Bull’s first one-two of the season which may not be the last.
This is the first time Max Verstappen has won the Bahrain GP in his career after retiring from last year’s race with mechanical issues.
Fernando Alonso joined them on the podium finishing third ahead of Carlos Sainz in fourth with Lewis Hamilton fifth, Lance Stroll sixth, Geroge Russell seventh and Valtteri Bottas, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon completing the points finishers.
Verstappen, sitting on the pole, quickly peeled off from the challengers at Bahrain International Circuit and the discussion quickly turned to who will finish second.
Leclerc held on for the second place for as long as he could before Perez eventually passed him for the spot and his night became worse later on as last year’s winner had to retire from the race.
With the two Red Bulls way in the front, Alonso picked off Sainz to steal the final podium spot.
The teams will now turn their attention to Saudi Arabian GP on March 19th.
