You will receive an email containing a link to reset your password.
Back to log-in
Seldom in the world of Formula 1 has the off-track talk surpassed the on-track action but 2024 looks to be the year of speculation, rather than high-octane driving events.
Defending champion Max Verstappen and his team Red Bull find themselves at the centre of all of the off-track talk but as ever, on the track, the Dutchman was ice cold in Bahrain, cruising to victory – in a result and a performance that has an ominous feel for the rest of the grid in Formula 1 this season.
Whilst a whole host of sides enjoyed promising testing periods and came into the race believing they could push Red Bull all the way this season, they left Bahrain and the Gulf with their hopes quickly dashed.
However, there are 23 races still to go this season and whilst Max Verstappen will take some stopping, each and every driver on the grid will be looking to take lessons from Bahrain, as the F1 circus moves on at a pace.
Spice up your life
Red Bull Team Manager Christian Horner has been a man under the spotlight for the past few weeks, with his position at the head of the team coming under increasing threat, due to a plethora of off-track allegations.
A show of solidarity was what Horner and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell opted for in Bahrain and of course, it was smiles all round when Max Verstappen came home impressively once again, giving them the best possible start to the 2024 F1 season.
It wasn’t all positive for Horner and Red Bull however, with Jos Verstappen, Max’s infamous father pictured in deep conversation with Horner, who has cut a frustrated figure in recent times, with allegations against him not going away.
Whilst it seems that there is going to be limited drama on the track this season, Red Bull and Christian Horner look to be doing their level best to be filling F1 column inches the world over.
Verstappen in cruise control
Despite not necessarily showing all their cards in the testing period at Bahrain, by the time race day came along, Max Verstappen and Red Bull were ready to hit top gear – when it mattered most.
In a race lacking the usual thrills and spills, Verstappen won the race from pole position for the first corner, and he continued to stretch his lead as the race panned out.
No obvious limitations or changes were spotted on the 2024 Red Bull car and by the same token, no seismic improvements were made on any of the other cars, meaning it often felt like a repeat of the 2023 season in Bahrain.
Finishing ahead of Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez in second place was an obvious coup for the team, who will be desperate to clinch another Constructors Championship and it will take something huge to knock them off their perch.
Back to reality
Every season in any sport, brings about a fresh start and a cause for optimism and all 19 drivers on the grid would have been hoping to see a few chinks in the armour of Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
However, it was a rather quick bump back into the routine for most drivers on the grid, as Verstappen effortlessly stretched away from the chasing pack, leaving the rest of the sides with much to ponder for the season ahead.
Sergio Perez fought hard to finish second, as he continues to push hard for Red Bull in their points pursuit, whilst Carlos Sainz will take heart from finishing 3rd – with his driving future uncertain from next season onwards post Ferrari.
His Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc never really looked like challenging in Bahrain, despite a decent testing period and the man from Monaco wound up in 4th, whilst George Russell finished well for Mercedes, coming home in 5th and he will be keen to carry that momentum across the Gulf to Saudi Arabia.
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton battled hard to finish in the top 6, with Norris pipping his idol, whilst Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished off a curious looking top 10.
Reading too much into the placings of the rest of the field is not too easy, with Daniel Riccardo enduring a tough opening ride for RB – ultimately residing in 13th place, whilst Valtteri Bottas looks to have a long season ahead for Sauber, as he finished in 19th place.
Packages for Upcoming F1 Fixtures can be found HERE.
Champions Travel will use the information you provide on this form to reach out with updates, news, special offers, surveys, competitions and marketing emails.
If you wish to opt-out of receiveing marketing emails please check the box here:
You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email you receive from us, or by emailing info@champions-travel.com. We will treat your information with respect. Please take the time to check out our Privacy Policy. By clicking subscribe / enter now, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.
