Manama: Max Verstappen dominated the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024, clinching a record-breaking win in the Kingdom’s 20th-anniversary F1 race at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) held from 29 February to 2 March in Sakhir.
The three-time defending champion started from pole in the first-ever F1 Saturday night race in Bahrain, celebrating “20 Years of a Modern Classic.” Crossing the finish line with a 22-second lead, Verstappen secured a Red Bull one-two with teammate Sergio Perez, while Carlos Sainz claimed the third podium spot for Ferrari.
Verstappen’s victory marked his 55th career win and second consecutive triumph at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.” The race featured an impressive fireworks display, and during the podium ceremony, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented Verstappen’s winner’s trophy. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem awarded the FIA President’s Medal, and Gulf Air Chairman Zayed R Alzayani presented the constructors’ trophy.
The event, the first of a record 24 rounds in the 2024 FIA F1 World Championship, showcased Verstappen’s dominance. He maintained his lead from the start, building a significant gap before his second pit-stop, ultimately finishing with a one hour, 31 minutes, and 44.742 seconds total winning time.
Perez, starting from fifth, secured second place, while Sainz finished third, Leclerc fourth, and George Russell fifth. The top 10 included representatives from Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin, highlighting a strong performance by five constructors. The classification extended to 20th place, showcasing a competitive and eventful Bahrain Grand Prix.
