Max Verstappen has won the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking his first victory of the 2021 Formula 1 season. The Dutchman, driving for Red Bull Racing, held off a late charge from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to take the chequered flag.
Fernando Alonso made a triumphant return to the podium, finishing third on his debut for Aston Martin. The Spaniard, who had not raced in Formula 1 since 2018, was delighted to be back on the podium after a two-year absence.
Verstappen started the race from pole position and led for the majority of the race, but was pushed hard by Hamilton in the closing stages. The Briton was unable to find a way past the Red Bull driver, however, and had to settle for second place.
Alonso, meanwhile, was delighted to be back on the podium after a two-year absence. The Spaniard had a strong race, running in the top five for much of the race and eventually finishing third.
The result marks a strong start to the season for Red Bull, who have now won two of the first three races. Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship with 68 points, while Hamilton is second with 58 points.
Alonso’s return to the podium is also a major boost for Aston Martin, who are making their return to Formula 1 this season. The team have made a strong start to the season, with Alonso’s podium finish their first since the team’s return.
Overall, it was a thrilling race in Bahrain, with Verstappen taking the win and Alonso making a triumphant return to the podium. The next race takes place in Imola, Italy, on April 18th.