Defending world champion Max Verstappen started the season in a familiar fashion by winning the 2023 Bahrain GP. Red Bull achieved a one-two, with Sergio Perez finishing second while Fernando Alonso finished third to complete the podium.
Both Red Bull drivers followed similar strategies during the race, and Verstappen ended up winning the race by ten seconds. Starting from pole position, he never looked truly challenged in the lead and was able to start the season very strongly.
2023 Bahrain GP: Verstappen wins, Leclerc retires
Technical problems continued into the new season for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc having to retire on Lap 41 due to a failed engine. Alonso, on the other hand, was able to overtake Carlos Sainz on Lap 45 to earn his first podium finish since 2021.
Sainz had to settle for fourth spot in the race, following the late battle. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, finished fifth. Lance Stroll capped off a remarkable outing for Aston Martin, finishing in sixth place.
Esteban Ocon and Oscar Piastri of McLaren were not able to finish either. Lando Norris was the only driver from their team to finish, albeit at the bottom of the pile.
The 2023 Bahrain GP was redemption for Red Bull, after their double DNF a year ago. On the other hand, it could also mean the beginning of the Bahrain curse for Red Bull. But, given the performances he has been putting in, all that might simply be superstition.
The next race of the season will take place in a few weeks as Formula 1 travels to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
