Dutch driver Max Verstappen took pole position this Saturday for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first race of the 2023 Formula 1 season, ahead of his Red Bull teammate, Mexican Sergio Perez.
The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will start on the second row at Sakhir circuit, while Spaniard Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) completes the top 5 of Saturday’s qualifying session.
This is the first time that Red Bull has blocked the front row in Bahrain, a circuit where it has not won since 2013, when the recently retired Sebastian Vettel triumphed.
25-year-old Verstappen took his 21st career pole and it was the perfect gift for his father, Jos, who turns 51 on Saturday.
“It’s a very pleasant surprise,” said Verstappen. “I didn’t expect to be on pole after the last few days.” The Dutchman will now look for his first victory at the Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday, in the tenth attempt. If he wins, it will be his first win in the opening race of the season.
Source: DN
