reigning world champion Max Verstappen takes pole position in the first Grand Prix of the season in Bahrain, Esteban Ocon will start 9th

The reigning double world champion Max Verstappen marks his territory from the outset. For the first Grand Prix of the year 2023, the Dutch driver signed the 21st pole position of his career, Saturday March 4, and the first on the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. He completed the 5.412 kilometer lap in 1’29”708, more than a tenth ahead of his teammate Sergio Pérez. The Mexican clinched second place at the very end of Q3, after falling behind in Q1 and Q2. The two Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will start from the second row. Esteban Ocon will start from 9th place while his new teammate, Pierre Gasly, who left in Q1, will start from 20th place.