Max Verstappen starts F1 title defense with win at Bahrain Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen started his Formula One World Drivers’ Championship defense with a first-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday.

Verstappen began the race on the pole and never looked back, continuing his dominance on the F1 circuit and not skipping a beat after winning the title the last two seasons. Going back to last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, where he wrapped up the 2022 title, Verstappen has won five out of the last six races and 10 out of his last 12.

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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took first place at the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

The Belgian-Dutch racer held off Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso – who finished second and third, respectively. Alonso sped past Carlos Sainz late in the race but couldn’t catch up to Perez.

Sainz finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton in fifth.

Charles Leclerc was vying for a top-five spot until he appeared to have an electrical issue that doomed his day. He pulled over to the side of the track while engineers worked to get his vehicle off the track.

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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc walks back to the pit lane after his car stalled during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, Sunday, March 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

The McLaren team had struggled throughout the race. Oscar Piastri had electrical issues as well and was forced to retire from the race. He ended in 20th place. Lando Norris was in and out of the pits as he dealt with an engine issue. He managed to finish the race but way