Bahrain GP Results: Max Verstappen Dominates The Season-Opener With First Victory Of 2024
Max Verstappen won the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix in the Red Bull RB20. Joining the three-time champion on the podium were Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz who crossed the line in second and third place, respectively.
In the opening lap of the race, Verstappen maintained the lead at Turn One, forcing Charles Leclerc to abandon an overtaking manoeuvre. George Russell maintained third place, while Sergio Perez moved up to fourth, surpassing Carlos Sainz.
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle relayed that Leclerc reported oversteer issues to his team, affecting his tyre condition due to frequent locking.
Lap 10: Logan Sargeant experienced a steering issue, momentarily halting on the track before rejoining the race. Alex Albon complained of issues with his steering wheel later on in the race as well.
Lap 17: Lewis Hamilton encountered energy recovery problems leading to a temporary drop in performance. It was later clarified that the issue stemmed from depleting the battery in a single lap, necessitating a recharge in the subsequent lap.
Lap 18: Sainz overtook Russell, who then reported a potential engine overheating problem. Leclerc expressed concerns over his car's handling on the team radio, stating:
"My car is fully going to the right when I'm braking. Like this I cannot fight. It's dangerous."
Red Bull Press Image
Lap 25: Hamilton informs the Mercedes team that his seat is broken.
Lap 32: Disaster for Valtteri Bottas after suffering a 52.4 second pit stop after the front left wheel nut had to be replaced.
Lap 34: Albon was reporting issues with the engine of his FW46.
Lap 37: Verstappen enjoys his second 'free' pit stop of the race and continues to maintain his extensive lead.
Lap 47: Leclerc overtakes Russell to take fourth position.
Lap 53: Tensions in VCARB when Yuki Tsunoda is given team orders to let Daniel Ricciardo past, to which the Japanese driver responded, "Are you kidding me, now?"
Bahrain Grand Prix Results
- Max Verstappen
- Sergio Perez
- Carlos Sainz
- Charles Leclerc
- George Russell
- Lando Norris
- Lewis Hamilton
- Oscar Piastri
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Zhou Guanyu
- Kevin Magnussen
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
- Alex Albon
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Esteban Ocon
- Pierre Gasly
- Valtteri Bottas
- Logan Sargeant