The Bahrain Grand Prix is just around the corner. A year ago, it was Max Verstappen who took victory here. Read how that victory came about here.

The Bahrain GP was also the opening race of the 2023 F1 season. Verstappen and Red Bull Racing were the big favourites after the winter test, but proved even stronger than people had thought possible. In qualifying, Verstappen took pole with a lead of three tenths over number three Charles Leclerc.

This is how Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2024

Sergio Perez started from the second starting spot, but did not get away well at the start. As a result, the Mexican was stuck behind the Ferrari driver for several laps. Verstappen seized his chance and immediately created a gap. His teammate was unable to close this gap. Verstappen thus seized victory seemingly easily, leading by more than ten seconds.

Leclerc looked like he was heading for an easy podium, but his car broke down at the Bahrain International Circuit. An engine problem caused an early end to his race. Fernando Alonso was able to take advantage of this. The Spaniard started the race from P5 and was hit by teammate Lance Stroll early in the race. Yet at the end he managed to outsmart Carlos Sainz for the final podium spot, though almost 40 seconds behind Verstappen.

This put Alonso directly on the podium in his first race for Aston Martin. It was a good start to the season for the British team anyway, with sixth place for Lance Stroll as well. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell came no further than fifth and seventh respectively. Valtteri Bottas, Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon completed the top ten.