The opening race of the 2023 Formula One calendar in Bahrain went pretty much on expected lines as Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominated in Sakhir.
World champion Verstappen claimed his maiden season-opening victory as he led Sergio Perez home in a Red Bull one-two at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The defending double world champion led from start to finish, establishing himself as firm favourite for a third consecutive drivers' crown.
Behind the two Red Bulls, two-time champion Fernando Alonso, 41, stormed his way to third place for Aston Martin in his first appearance with the team since replacing the retired Sebastian Vettel.
However, it was more of the same for Mercedes' veteran driver Lewis Hamilton.
Team boss Toto Wolff said Mercedes had “one of their worst days” in racing in Bahrain after Hamilton and George Russell finished fifth and seventh respectively.
Seven-time champion Hamilton said Mercedes had slipped to become “the fourth-fastest team”.
“They were just quicker than us,” said a calm Hamilton. “The Ferraris are quicker than us. We're the fourth-fastest team.”
The season now moves on to Saudi Arabia this weekend.
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Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing celebrates after winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Getty -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. Reuters -
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez completed a one-two for Red Bull while veteran driver Fernando Alonso also made it to the podium. Getty -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the Bahrain Grand Prix. PA -
Max Verstappen during a pit stop in Bahrain on Sunday. EPA -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton battled hard in Sakhir. AFP -
Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Getty -
Max Verstappen of Red Bull at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday. Getty -
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the Bahrain GP. Reuters -
Bernie Ecclestone at the Bahrain International Circuit. Getty -
Geri Horner walks in the paddock. Getty
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
Venue
Jeddah Corniche Circuit
Schedule
Friday, March 17: First practice (5.30pm UAE time); Second practice (9pm)
Saturday, March 18: Third practice (5.30pm); Qualifying (9pm)
Sunday, March 19: Race (9pm)
How to watch F1 races in the UAE?
Formula One fans in the UAE can watch all the races on MBC’s streaming platform www.shahid.net. Also, you can catch all the race highlights on F1's official YouTube page.
F1 2023 calendar (remaining races)
March 17-19: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Jeddah
March 31-April 2: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
April 28-30: Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku
May 5-7: Miami Grand Prix
May 19-21: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola
May 26-28: Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
June 2-4: Spanish Grand Prix, Catalunya
June 16-18: Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal
June 30-July 2: Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg
July 7-9: British Grand Prix, Silverstone
July 21-23: Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring
July 28-30: Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
August 25-27: Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort
September 1-3: Italian Grand Prix, Monza
September 15-17: Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay
September 22-24: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
October 6-8: Qatar Grand Prix, Losail
October 20-22: United States Grand Prix, Austin
October 27-29: Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City
November 3-5: Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo
November 17-19: Las Vegas Grand Prix
November 24-26: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
