SAKHIR: Max Verst­appen started his bid for a fourth successive Formula One title with a commanding Bahrain Grand Prix win from pole position, plus fastest lap, to give Red Bull a timely boost after a trying week for the world champions and team principal Christian Horner.

The triple world champion shut out all the off-track speculation surroun­ding the Horner inquiry to lead home Sergio Perez for an ominous Red Bull 1-2.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz completed the podium under the floodlights at Sak­hir with team mate Charles Leclerc finishing fourth.

The win was Red Bull’s 114th since they arrived in Formula One 20 years ago, lifting the team level with former champions Willi­a­ms at fourth equal in the all-time lists. Verstappen now has 55 career wins.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2024