In a Formula 1 season without much novelty, either among the drivers or in the cars, Max Verstappen once again demonstrated unchallenged domination, Saturday March 2, on the Sakhir circuit. The Dutchman won ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari). The French Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are in 17th and 18th places respectively.
Red Bull and Verstappen still on top
Like last year, the Austrian team begins the season with a Verstappen-Pérez double. Despite his fifth place on the starting grid, the Mexican quickly moved up to take second position, behind his Dutch teammate who was only worried about one corner by Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque, in difficulty with his car, then fell back in the standings, before returning to fourth place at the end of the race.
An already established hierarchy
If Red Bull seems at the top and unattainable, behind, the hierarchy is quite clear at the start of the season. Ferrari took 3rd and 4th places, while Mercedes and McLaren shared places 5 to 8. The two Aston Martins of Alonso and Stroll completed the top 10. If Bottas (19th) was in difficulty, Zhou had him managed to better tame his Sauber (11th).
Alpine in great difficulty
A little better in the race than in qualifying where they finished 19th and 20th, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly did not really exist this Saturday, finally finishing 17th and 18th. With a car that is too heavy and lacking speed compared to its competitors, Alpine must quickly find a solution to avoid a difficult season. New features should be brought to China or Japan.