The drama surrounding Red Bull didn’t deter its reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, who dominated the season-opening Formula 1 race in Bahrain, clinching victory by a staggering 22 seconds.
Starting from pole position, Verstappen faced minimal challenge throughout the Bahrain Grand Prix, securing a commanding one-two finish for Red Bull alongside teammate Sergio Perez.
The team’s principal, Christian Horner, embroiled in controversy, was supported by his wife, Geri Halliwell, both before the race and during the podium celebrations.
Reflecting on his triumph, Verstappen remarked, “Today went even better than expected. It was a lot of fun.” Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari clinched third place after a hard-fought battle with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen’s stellar performance suggests a continuation of his remarkable form from the previous season, where he won 19 out of 22 races. This victory marks his eighth consecutive win, further solidifying his dominance in the sport.
Amid the spotlight on Horner’s controversies, he emphasized the team’s focus on performance, stating, “My focus has very much been on what’s going on on track.”
Horner’s arrival at the race alongside Halliwell was met with attention, particularly after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented on the negative impact of the turmoil surrounding Horner.
Despite distractions, Red Bull showcased its superiority on the track, with Perez advancing from fifth on the grid to secure second place comfortably. Ferrari’s Sainz clinched his first podium finish since October, while Leclerc faced challenges, unable to match Red Bull’s pace.
Leclerc’s struggles with his Ferrari compounded when he encountered issues with braking, allowing Verstappen to maintain his lead. However, he managed to recover to finish fourth, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
In the end, Verstappen’s victory underscores Red Bull’s dominance, setting a formidable pace for the season ahead.
Also read: McLaren Could Have Taken Second or Third Place on Close Bahrain F1 Grid
