Formula 1: Max Verstappen won from start to finish in Bahrain and is further and further away from the others

In an obscene display of superiority, the Dutchman Max Verstappen accomplished what any follower of the Formula 1 expected before the five red lights went out in the game of Bahrain Grand Prix: He achieved a very comfortable victory in the first round of the 2024 season and thus added his eighth consecutive and 55th career victory in a category that, these days, he dominates with no opponents in sight. His teammate, The Mexican Sergio Pérez and the Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) completed the podium.

He three times specialty championwhere he started pole positionhe had no difficulties at the start with those accompanying him in the front row, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), and he only needed one lap to build an advantage over his escort which prevented the Monegasque from accessing the DRS on the second lap. It was immediately clear that no one could counter the Monarch, who also set the fastest lap of the race and the extra point it warrants.

Having overcome that first challenge without problems, the Dutchman, aboard his new Red Bull RB20, he seemed to be entering cruising speed and he launched into a feat without errors, neither strategic nor driving nor in the two pit stops. As in a Already seen of the 2023 season, in which he achieved 19 victories in 22 tests (the last seven consecutive), Verstappen won with overwhelming superiority after 57 laps at the 5,412 meter course and celebrated on Bahrain soil, where he also celebrated last year.

“It was fantastic, I think today was even better than expected. The car performed very well on all compounds, it was a pleasure to drive. It was a lot of fun, I felt very good in the car. It’s special to have days like these, when everything is perfect and you feel comfortable with the car.”said the champion, who gave Red Bull their 114th victory in Formula 1. In this way, the Austrian team equaled Williams and placed fourth among the most successful teams in history, preceded only by Ferrari (243), McLaren (183) and Mercedes (125).

Verstappen’s shameless dominance left Sergio Pérez 22.457 seconds behind when he crossed the finish line. Despite the distance, the Mexican, faithful squire of the king of the category, said he was satisfied with his task, although he warned that there is still much to improve. “This was the best we could get, so it’s a great way to start the season. It was a complicated race in terms of tire management. Compound by compound, we were skidding and having problems with the brakes. I’m sure we will analyze and learn for next time.”he pointed.

The only driver who, at least in some moments, managed to keep up with the Red Bulls was Carlos Sainz, also the only one that last year managed to break the hegemony of the energy drink manufacturer’s cars (it won the Singapore Grand Prix). This Saturday the Spaniard, who will leave his place at Ferrari next season to the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamiltonstarting from fourth position on the grid, he overtook his teammate, the Monegasque Charles Leclercwho had to settle for fourth place.

“Today I felt very good. The start wasn’t ideal, but I managed the tires very well, I overtook two or three cars and in the end I was close to a Red Bull, which was a pleasant surprise”celebrated Sainz, who stood on the Formula 1 podium for the 19th time.

Behind the Red Bulls and the Ferraris, although very far from the fight for the points zone, Mercedes and McLaren have interspersed their vehicles: Britain’s George Russell finished fourth, ahead of compatriots Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, and Australian Oscar Piastri. THE Aston Martin Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Canadian Lance Stroll completed the positions that awarded championship points.

The next event in a category devoid of intrigue will be next weekend on the very fast Jeddah street circuit, in Saudi Arabia. Like this week, the race will take place on Saturday because Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hegira calendar, in which Muslims fast, begins on Sunday.