Formula One: Max Verstappen wins, as Fernando Alonso rolls back the years at Bahrain Grand Prix
- Former two-time champion Alonso seals stunning third place on his debut for Aston Martin in Sunday’s season opener
- Red Bull’s Verstappen cruises to victory as he opens defence of his back-to-back world titles in convincing style
Max Verstappen’s dominant Bahrain Grand Prix victory seemed normal by his high standards.
The surprise of the Formula One season opening race? Fernando Alonso in a stunning third place on his debut for Aston Martin.
Verstappen cruised to the win Sunday as he opened his defence of his back-to-back world championships. His dominance put all the focus on the rest of the field and it was Alonso who stole the show with his first podium in 26 races – a performance that came 13 years after he won in Bahrain with Ferrari.
The Spaniard felt Aston Martin had a fighting chance after preseason testing, and he was strong all weekend in Bahrain in spectacular debut with his new organisation.
“I had the same feeling from testing – it’s too good to be true,” Alonso said. “But it seems real. I could have driven for another hour on the track.”
Alonso has now kicked off “Mission 33”, the catchphrase his fans created as he chases a 33rd career F1 victory. The 41-year-old is a two-time world champion but last won a grand prix 10 years ago.
