The 2024 Formula 1 season has never been closer to launching.
After the first free practice sessions this Thursday, qualifying gave its verdict this Friday to decide the starting grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix this Saturday (4 p.m., Canal +).
In this game, the three-time reigning world champion and big favorite to succeed Max Verstappen made everyone agree by taking pole position in front of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
They will have to watch out for good starts behind them with the aspiration of George Russell (Mercedes) and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) who will start on the second row.
Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) will start in 5th and 6th place respectively in front of the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Lewis Hamilton, very disappointing in Q3, completes the Top 10 with Nico Hülkenberg.
⏱️ Pole position for Max Verstappen ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell!
The top 8 is held in half a second!
#BahrainGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ovU0RTj5T3
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 1, 2024
Further on, we must obviously unfortunately note Alpine's very poor operation.
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, currently equipped with the worst car in the peloton, will start in the last two positions.
The starting grid:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
3. George Russell (Mercedes)
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Lando Norris (McLaren)
8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
9. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
10. Nicolas Hulkenberg (Haas)
11. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
12. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
13. Alexander Albon (Williams)
14. Daniel Ricciardo (Racing Bulls)
15. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
16. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)
17. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)
18. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
19. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
20. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)