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Max Verstappen claims Bahrain GP pole ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez; Ferraris on second row with Fernando Alonso starting fifth for Aston Martin ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamiltonwatch Sunday’s race live at 3pm on Sky Sports F1, with build-up from 1.30pm
By Matt Morlidge in Bahrain
Last Updated: 04/03/23 4:34pm
Max Verstappen will lead a Red Bull one-two off the line in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after the world champions fended off a feisty chasing pack in a pulsating and closely-fought qualifying.
A much-improved Ferrari had topped both the opening segments in the shootout – with Mercedes and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso also in the mix – but Verstappen stamped his authority by roaring clear in Q3.
Verstappen posted the fastest time under the lights, a tenth ahead of Charles Leclerc, and then improved again to a 1:29.708 while Leclerc and Ferrari opted not to hit the track again to save tyres for Sunday’s race.
“I think we were in the fight for pole, which was a good surprise to be honest,” said Leclerc “I don’t know if I would have been in pole or not but it would have been close.”
His early exit from the car left the door open for Sergio Perez to out-pace the Monegasque to lockout the front row for Red Bull, while Ferrari’s last hope Carlos Sainz could only manage fourth.
Alonso, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were also missing from the final stages of qualifying after burning through their tyres earlier on in qualifying, and had to settle for fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.
They were all over half a second off Verstappen’s pole in the end.
The returning Lance Stroll was eighth for Aston Martin, who – while not replicating their fastest times in two practice sessions – have ignited a genuine four-car fight for F1’s top positions.
More to follow.
Bahrain GP Qualifying Result
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
4) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
5) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
8) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
9) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
10) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
Formula 1 is back! Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Sunday’s race begins at 3pm, with build-up from 1.30pm. Get Sky Sports
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