Verstappen 'very happy to finally win' in Bahrain on 10th attempt

Max Verstappen beamed with relief on Sunday after claiming a long-awaited season-opening win and leading Sergio Perez home in a Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The win was also his first at Sakhir's Bahrain International Circuit at the 10th attempt and the 36th of his career, cementing his status as a strong favourite to secure a third consecutive drivers' crown this year.

Red Bull had not won in Bahrain since 2013, when Sebastian Vettel triumphed on his way to his fourth drivers' title.

"I'm very happy to finally win a race here in Bahrain," said the 25-year-old Dutchman. "We have a very good race package. We can definitely fight with this car and a big 'thank you' to the team for such a quick race car again."

Yes!!! Exactly the start we hoped for ?? A very lovely result finishing one-two ??A big thank you goes out to the entire team, this is down to all their hard work over the winter! Let’s keep pushing @SChecoPerez @redbullracing @HondaRacingGLB#BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/AAiImT001n

A first since 2014

Behind the dominant Red Bulls, two-time champion Fernando Alonso made the most of Charles Leclerc retiring his Ferrari with power failure to charge through in his Aston Martin and seize his first podium finish since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix, when the Spaniard was with Ferrari.

Verstappen's success reversed Red Bull's misfortune in 2022 when they suffered two retirements and Ferrari came home first and second.

"It was a very, very good first stint where I made my gap," said Verstappen. "From there, it was all about looking after my tyres.

"You never know what's going to happen later on in the races so we just wanted to make sure we had the right tyres and in good condition as well."

"I had nothing to worry me, or