F1 2023 | Verstappen opens with a win as Red Bull takes 1-2 in Bahrain Grand Prix
The Hindu
Max Verstappen won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position by leading almost the entire race as he opened the defense of his back-to-back Formula One titles
New season, another victory. Max Verstappen won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, leading almost the entire race as he opened the defense of his back-to-back Formula One titles.
Red Bull also clinched a dominant 1-2 with Sergio Perez finishing second while 41-year-old Fernando Alonso took a brilliant third place — and claimed a 99th career podium — on a stunning race debut for Aston Martin.
“I’m so proud of you guys,” a jubilant Alonso told his team.
It was Verstappen’s 36th career win but the Dutchman’s first at the flood-lit Sakhir circuit, where he retired just laps from the end in last year’s opening race.
“That was exactly the start to the season we needed,” Verstappen said.
This time it was Charles Leclerc, after winning last year, who retired on Lap 41 of 57 when his Ferrari lost power.
“No, no, no, no,” pleaded Leclerc over his radio as his car slowed to a stop. Ferrari had changed an engine battery before the race but that didn’t stop Leclerc from making a dismal start to the year after such a frustrating season in 2022.