Carpokes

Max Verstappen Tops Qualifying for Season-Opening F1 Bahrain Grand Prix

From Autoweek:

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula ... d568259d8a

ANP//Getty Images


F1 Qualifying Results - Bahrain

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull

2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

3. George Russell, Mercedes

4. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari

5. Sergio Perez, Red Bull

6. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

7. Lando Norris, McLaren

8. Oscar Piastri, McLaren

9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

10. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas

11. Yuki Tsunoda, RB

12. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

13. Alexander Albon, Williams

14. Daniel Ricciardo, RB

15. Kevin Magnussen, Haas

16. Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber

17. Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber

18. Logan Sargeant, Williams

19. Esteban Ocon, Alpine

20. Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Max and Red Bull picking right up where they left off . Lead every lap and had fastest lap . A 1-2 finish is a great way to start the season . Really happy for Carlos Sainz . I think he's on a mission after being let go for Hammy .

Running well could put Sainz in a Mercedes seat next year and the irony would not be lost on anyone. I like Perez , so it was nice to see him do well and was also hoping for a good run by Russell. It will be interesting to see if Mercedes figures out the heat and battery issues for the next Grand Prix as it really seemed to hinder their runs.

Quote from SB Nation piece regarding Sainz and his performance today:

After the race, Sainz talked about his performance with David Coulthard on F1TV. “I felt really good out there today. The start wasn’t ideal but from there on I just managed the tires well.” said Sainz. “Keeping up with the Red Bulls there was a pleasant surprise.”

What we saw from Sainz on Saturday was impressive. “This is a complete race car driver,” said Coulthard up in Commentary Box 31 on F1TV.

A complete race car driver is just what many teams will be looking for ahead of 2025.

SB Nation recap and details (good article):

https://www.sbnation.com/formula-one/20 ... grand-prix

I have a feeling that Max will repeat last year’s dominance as the cars will not be truly redesigned till next season, if so I suspect that viewership will fall. By mid season I might be recording the events and fast forwarding

Quite possible it will be Red Bull to the Max, but with all the changes coming in 2025 I am sure I will be watching intently to see what could shake out for various drivers. Hoping to see folks closer to Verstappen , and one race does not prove it all, but it was obvious he was dominant over everyone. On the tracks that are more dependent on handling than top speeds , we may see Ferrari closer still and I am curious to see what may happen with Mercedes after George's strong initial running. Weird all the cars running Mercedes engines were running hot on an evening with nice temperatures and what was the battery issue? Hope to get some answers on this issue during the coming week and have it solved before Saudia Arabia.

Max finished the race nearly 23 seconds ahead of Perez in the same car ! That is dominance .

Autoweek's take on the Bahrain GP:

"Max Verstappen Continues Doing Max Verstappen Things At F1 Bahrain GP"

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula ... d568259d8a


GIUSEPPE CACACE//Getty Images

Verstappen and Red Bull on pole again for the Saudi Arabian GP.