Reigning F1 champion Verstappen begins new season with Bahrain GP victory

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz makes it to podium finishing 3rd

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

The reigning Formula One world champion Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen begins the new season with Bahrain Grand Prix victory on Saturday.

The Dutch driver gained 26 points with 1 hour 31 minutes 44.742 seconds time, with an additional point for setting the fastest lap, while his team mate Sergio Perez finished the Grand Prix second 22.457 seconds behind and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz finished the race third with 25.110 seconds difference.

Mercedes' duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton encountered issues with their cars and finished the race 5th and 7th, respectively.

Red Bull tops the constructor standings with 44 points, while Ferrari are second with 27 points and Mercedes placed third with 16 points.

The Round 2 of the 2024 Formula One World Championship will be held at Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia on March 9.

Kaynak: