Bahrain GP: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez secure one-two for Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton fifth, George Russell seventh

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen got his title defence off to the perfect start at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, as the Dutchman produced a controlled performance to take the chequered flag in Sakhir, with his teammate Sergio Perez finishing in second, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso taking a superb podium on his first race for the team to finish in third. Verstappen started the race on pole and made the perfect start, building a considerable gap over the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc by the end of the first stint.

Ad Both Red Bull cars opted for a differing strategy call in their second stint, as Perez and Verstappen went onto another set of soft tyres, with the Ferrari cars going onto the harder compound. Bahrain Grand Prix‘We are not good enough’ – Wolff in stunning admission over car concept4 HOURS AGO However, the decision did not make much of a difference, as the Red Bulls were in a league of their own, and built up a sizeable gap by the beginning of the final stint.

On Lap 39, and whilst sitting in third place, Leclerc’s hopes of a podium disappeared as his Ferrari had to retire from the race with a power unit issue. It gave Alonso in the Aston Martin the chance to snatch the final podium place away from Carlos Sainz in the other Ferrari, and with 12 laps to go, the Spaniard made the all-important overtake to cap off a fantastic weekend.

Verstappen crossed the line 11 seconds ahead of his teammate to seal his first win at the Bahrain International Circuit. More to follow Bahrain Grand PrixRed Bull secure Bahrain qualifying lockout as Verstappen claims poleYESTERDAY AT 16:26 Bahrain Grand PrixAlonso pips Red Bulls in second practice in BahrainYESTERDAY AT 17:57