The season promises to be long and tedious for 19 of the 20 drivers entered in the 2024 Formula 1 world championship. Because a place, 1st, seems promised at almost every Grand Prix to one man: Max Verstappen (Red Bull), triple reigning world champion and who very logically won the first event of the season, in Bahrain.
Starting from pole position, the Dutchman never gave up his first place, always a notch above the others.
With a 22-second lead over his first pursuer, the Red Bull driver also set the fastest lap, with a time of 1'32''608 (lap 39).
Behind him, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc had all the difficulty in the world to hold his place, even though he started in a good second position.
From the 3rd lap, he was heckled by George Russell (Mercedes), then gradually allowed, in turn, his teammate Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) to challenge his position.
In the end, the Ferrari team driver finished in 4th place, behind Pérez (2nd) and Sainz (3rd) but ahead of Russell.
No miracle for the Alpine
At the back of the race, the two French Alpine drivers were, unfortunately, unable to perform a miracle.
Starting 19th and 20th after failed qualifying, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished this first Grand Prix 17th and 18th respectively.
Also note the 7th place overall of the future Ferrari driver, Lewis Hamilton, and the 9th place of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin).
The next Grand Prix of the season will take place in the region, in Saudi Arabia (March 7-9), then the drivers and their teams will travel to Australia (March 22-24).