March 5, 2023, 1:57 PM
March 5, 2023, 1:57 PM
The reigning double world champion Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sundaythe first test of the Formula 1 season, ahead of his Red Bull teammate, the Mexican Sergio Pérez, who was second.
The Spanish Fernando Alonso achieved third place in his first race with the Aston Martin team.
“Getting a podium in the first race of the year is incredible,” reacted Alonso, two times world champion (2005, 2006).
Aston Martin, revelation team of the season after its good results in preseason and in free practice at the weekend, placed his second driver Lance Stroll in sixth position, between the Mercedes of the British Lewis Hamilton (5th) and George Russell (7th).
The one who in principle may be Verstappen’s main rival in the title fight, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, had to leave in the final stretch of the race due to a mechanical problem.
“There was no power so it’s a shame because it’s on these weekends in which we need to maximize the points”, lamented the pilot in statements to Canal+.
His partner, the Spanish Carlos Sainz Jr, managed to defend fourth position.
Finn Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpine)who came back from the 20th and last position, and the Thai Alexander Albon (Williams) completed the ‘Top 10’.
