Verstappen dominates the opening race of the new season! Red Bull crushes the competition in Bahrain, Ferrari also on the podium

The first qualifying session of 2024 promised a thrilling and even (and unusually Saturday) Bahrain Grand Prix. However, any hopes that fans had already had were quickly dashed by Red Bull, and more specifically Max Verstappen. The Austrian stable continued where they left off last year, cementing their dominance with their 39th win in 45 races. The team from Maranello can also be satisfied with the result. Carlos Sainz started his last season at Ferrari with a 3rd place, while Charles Leclerc takes 12 points from the race for 4th place.

Verstappen made it clear immediately after the start that nothing would change in the battle for the top spot in the new season. He allowed Leclerc just one attack on the outside at the first corner. After that, he quickly disappeared from the sight of the Monegasque racer and the TV cameras, who had to concentrate on the battle for the remaining podium positions.

A mistake by Nico Hülkenberg ruined a good start for two drivers. The German driver misjudged his braking distance and spun Lance Stroll, who had already gained two positions before the first corner. Valtteri Bottas then damaged the front wing of Hülkenberg’s car, which was slowed down by a sharp impact with the Aston Martin.

George Russell struck the first blow in the battle for the podium. The Mercedes driver pushed his way past Leclerc at Turn 4. The troubled Monegasque then lost third place to Sergio Pérez after repeatedly locking up his front wheels at turn 10. Four laps later, Leclerc was overtaken by team-mate Sainz.

Sainz dropped back behind Leclerc after the first round of pit-stops. Meanwhile, Pérez had already fought his way into second place, establishing an outright lead of more than two seconds over Russell. In his rear-view mirrors, however, Pérez soon saw the red monopost getting closer and closer.

Sainz was showing great pace, passing both Leclerc and Russell in successive laps. The twenty-nine-year-old’s contract at Ferrari expires after the season, and performances like this will surely help him find a new deal for 2025.

Verstappen wins, Red Bull celebrates double in Bahrain

Verstappen briefly returned to the TV screens during his first pit stop (at the end of lap 17). Fans were thus able to watch the routine tyre change and the Dutch phenomenon exit the pits in first place with a five-second lead. 10 laps later, the gap between the Red Bull drivers was already more than 13 seconds.

The top 10 order underwent just three changes after Sainz’s manoeuvres. Oscar Piastri couldn’t keep up with Lando Norris and dropped behind Lewis Hamilton after the second tyre change. Stroll had an amazing drive. He fought his way into the points despite the troubles on the opening lap. Leclerc bounced back from a poor start to take fourth place from Russell.

For the fifty-fifth time, Verstappen was on the top step of the podium, the Dutchman also earning an extra point for the fastest lap of the race. Pérez crossed the line second, giving Red Bull full points in Bahrain.

Sainz couldn’t get close to Pérez, but he kept pace with the Mexican until the end. Leclerc was 14 seconds behind his teammate at the finish.

Mercedes and McLaren could offer an even battle later in the season. Fifth Russell and eighth Piastri were separated by just 10 seconds. Aston Martin takes the final points.

The next race in Formula One is just a week away. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place again on Saturday at the Jeddah City Circuit.

Source: F1TV, X