World champion Max Verstappen has started the new Formula 1 season the way he ended the previous one: Namely with a victory.

The Dutchman won the Bahrain Grand Prix. His colleague from the Red Bull racing team, the Mexican Sergio Pérez, came second. Veteran driver Fernando Alonso on Aston Martin completed the podium.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was unlucky when he had to retire in third place due to an engine failure.

Thanks to the double victory, Red Bull took the lead in the constructors’ championship. The second race of the season will take place on 19 March in Saudi Arabia.