Max Verstappen started the season in the best possible way by winning the first race of the year in Bahrain. As in 2022, the double world champion showed himself above the rest to master this first meeting of the calendar from start to finish. The Red Bull driver is ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez and one Fernando Alonso rejuvenated at the wheel of a well-born Aston Martin. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) complete the top 5.
The start was well negotiated by the Dutchman, unlike Pérez, who was overtaken by Charles Leclerc in the first meters. Behind, a small touch between the Aston Martins, without much consequence for Alonso or Stroll despite a few places lost. The Asturian finally manages to catch up somewhat while passing George Russell following a good battle. In front, no change in the hierarchy following the first pit stop.
Author of a superb race at the wheel of a reinvigorated Aston, Alonso passes in front of Hamilton at the end of a superb fight between the multiple world champions, recalling their battles of yesteryear. A few laps later, disaster for Leclerc and Ferrari, victim of a technical problem and forced to quit.
Still impressive, the 41-year-old Spaniard continues his ascent and has Sainz to glean third place, while the Red Bulls go it alone in front.
The native of Hasselt manages the end of the race perfectly to win ahead of his teammate and confirm that Red Bull will be the team to beat this season. As for Alonso, who signs his 99th podium, he is back at the forefront with a reinvigorated Aston Martin.
See you on March 17 for the second Grand Prix of the season in Saudi Arabia.