F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Results (2023)

The 2023 Formula 1 season started with a bang at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez delivered a dominant one-two finish for Red Bull, while Fernando Alonso made a sensational return to the podium with Aston Martin. It set the pattern for the 2023 f1 standings Bahrain

The race was full of drama, overtakes, retirements and surprises, as the new regulations and cars shook up the pecking order and created exciting battles on track. Here are the main highlights and analysis of the F1 action in Bahrain, and how it sets up the championship battle for the rest of the year’s f1 standings.

2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Results – 3rd to 5th March 2023

2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Results – Verstappen leads from Start to Finish

Max Verstappen was in a class of his own in Bahrain, as he claimed pole position by almost half a second and led every lap of the race to take his first win of the season.

The Dutchman was flawless throughout the weekend, showing impressive pace and consistency in his RB23. He managed his tires well, executed two perfect pit stops and controlled the gap to his rivals with ease.

He also set the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate lap, securing an extra point and extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to six points over Perez.

Verstappen’s performance was a clear statement of intent from Red Bull, who have emerged as the team to beat in 2023 after a strong winter testing and development program.

The RB23 seems to suit the new aerodynamic regulations better than the Mercedes W14, which has struggled with balance and stability issues.

2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Results – Perez Recovered From Pit Lane Start To Finish Second

Sergio Perez had a rollercoaster of a race in Bahrain. He overcame a technical problem that forced him to start from the pit lane. Then he fought his way through the field to finish second behind his teammate.

The Mexican had qualified second on Saturday, but his car suffered a power unit failure on the formation lap, leaving him stranded on track. He managed to restart his RB23 just in time to join the race from the back of the grid. He faced a huge challenge to make up ground.

Perez showed his trademark tire management skills and overtaking prowess, as he made his way past slower cars. He extended his first stint on medium tires until lap 19.

Sergio then switched to hard tires for his second stint, which lasted until lap 36. He made his final stop for soft tires and rejoined in fourth place, behind Verstappen, Alonso and Russell.

He quickly dispatched Russell with a daring move around the outside of turn four, and then hunted down Alonso. Fernando was struggling with tire wear.

He passed the Spaniard on lap 51 with a late braking maneuver into turn one, and secured second place.

Perez’s drive was remarkable, as he scored 18 points and helped Red Bull take an early lead in the constructors’ championship.

He also proved his worth as a team player, as he followed team orders to let Verstappen through when they were on different strategies.

Sergio showed that he can adapt quickly to a new car and team environment, and that he can challenge for podiums and wins on a regular basis. He will be aiming to improve his qualifying performance and avoid reliability issues in the future.

2023 Bahrain GP Results – Alonso returns to F1 with a stunning podium

Fernando Alonso claimed his first podium since 2014. The two-time world champion had joined the rebranded team from Renault over the winter, hoping to revive his career and challenge for wins again.

He had shown promising signs in testing and practice sessions, but had qualified only fifth on Saturday, behind Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc and Sainz.

Alonso made a great start from fifth on the grid, jumping ahead of Sainz and Leclerc into third place by turn one.

He Kept Up the Pace in the Bahrain Grand Prix

Fernando then settled into a steady rhythm behind Verstappen and Perez, keeping a safe distance from Russell and Hamilton behind him. He pitted for hard tires on lap 18, rejoining in fourth place behind Hamilton.

The Spaniard regained third place when Hamilton pitted on lap 22, but then faced pressure from Russell, who had undercut him with an earlier stop. He defended his position with some aggressive moves, forcing Russell to back off and lose time.

Alonso made his second and final stop on lap 37, switching to soft tires for the final stint. He rejoined in third place, ahead of Russell and Hamilton, but with Perez closing in fast.

Fernando tried to fend off the Red Bull driver, but his tires were too worn to resist. He conceded second place on lap 51, but held on to third place until the end. This, despite a late charge from Russell. He crossed the line 38.637 seconds behind Verstappen, but 10.235 seconds ahead of Russell.

Alonso’s podium was a remarkable achievement, as he became the oldest driver to stand on the rostrum since Nigel Mansell in 1994.

He also gave Aston Martin their first podium since their return to F1 as a works team. He also showed that he still has the speed, skill and passion to compete at the highest level.

Obviously he was delighted with his result, as he thanked his team and fans for their support. He said that he felt at home in F1 again, and that he was looking forward to the next races.

Other notable performances and incidents

There were some surprising results from the rest of the pack.

George Russell

George finished fourth for Mercedes. He had qualified sixth on Saturday, but moved up to fourth after Perez’s problem and Leclerc’s retirement.

Russel challenged Alonso for third place in the first half of the race, but could not find a way past. He then dropped back to fifth after his second stop, but regained fourth when Hamilton pitted for a third time. He tried to catch Alonso in the closing laps, but ran out of time and tires.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton finished fifth for Mercedes, scoring 10 points. He made a poor start from seventh on the grid, losing two places to Stroll and Bottas by turn one.

Lewis then recovered to fifth place by lap 10, passing Bottas and Stroll with ease. He pitted for hard tires on lap 22, rejoining in fourth place behind Alonso. The Briton then moved up to third when Perez pitted on lap 36, but could not catch Verstappen or Alonso ahead of him.

He pitted for a third time on lap 45, switching to soft tires for a final attack. Lewis rejoined in fifth place behind Russell, but could not pass his teammate despite having fresher tires. He crossed the line 50.977 seconds behind Verstappen, and 4.904 seconds behind Russell.

Charles Leclerc

Charles retired from the race on lap 39, after suffering an engine failure in his Ferrari SF23. He had hoped to challenge for a podium or even a win in Bahrain.

His race was ruined by a series of problems. He made a slow start from third on the grid, dropping to fourth behind Alonso by turn one.

Charles then lost another place to Sainz on lap two, as he struggled with tire degradation and lack of grip. The Ferrari suffered a loss of power on lap 39, forcing him to pull over and retire from the race.

Oscar Piastri

Oscar retired from the race on lap 13, after crashing into the barriers at turn four in his McLaren MCL36. T

Conclusion

The Bahrain Grand Prix was a thrilling start to the 2023 Formula 1 season, as it showcased the new cars and regulations that have brought more excitement and unpredictability to the sport. Max Verstappen and Red Bull emerged as the dominant force in Bahrain, while Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso completed a surprise podium that delighted

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References

F1 Official Web Site