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, on the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, where he has never won. 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

Behind a 100% Red Bull front row, the second will be monopolized by the Ferraris, Charles Leclerc ahead of Carlos Sainz. “We were in the fight for pole, which is a nice surprise to be honest,” reacted the Monegasque after qualifying. The Ferrari drivers will start ahead of Fernando Alonso, who left the French Alpine team in the off-season after a complicated year.

Alonso back on the podium on Sunday?

At the wheel of his Aston Martin, the 41-year-old grid veteran dominated two of the three free practice sessions, creating a surprise in the paddocks. The double Spanish world champion will therefore have his sights set on the podium on Sunday, on which he has not climbed since 2021.

As for the Habs engaged with Alpine, Esteban Ocon will start from 9th place while his new teammate, Pierre Gasly, has disappointed. Released in Q1, the former Alpha Tauri driver will start from 20th place.