F1 – Max Verstappen stormed to an historic pole position yesterday evening for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 – the kingdom’s 20th anniversary F1 race at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
The three-time defending world champion captured the leading grid position for Red Bull after topping an exciting qualifying held in chilly conditions under the bright floodlights of ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’.
Verstappen will be in front of the 20-car F1 field as the grand prix is held for the very first time on a Saturday night, making for an additional spectacle in celebrating ‘20 Years of a Modern Classic’ in Bahrain.
Verstappen took pole for F1’s season-opening event with a fastest lap time of one minute 29.179 seconds in a hotly contested Q3. It was the 33rd pole of his career, and he has now started the season the way he finished his record-breaking 2023.
The Dutchman beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (1:29.407) by just over two-tenths of a second, while Mercedes’ George Russell (1:29.485) qualified third just over three-tenths behind.
Carlos Sainz (1:29.507) will start from fourth in Ferrari’s second contender, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (1:29.537) will be fifth on the grid.
Others starting in the leading 10 and also competing in Q3 this evening are Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso (1:29.542) in sixth, McLaren’s Lando Norris (1:29.614) in seventh, teammate Oscar Piastri (1:29.683) in eighth, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (1:29.710) in ninth, and Nico Hulkenberg (1:30.502) for Haas in 10th.
Alonso said he felt “great” two days after hinting at retirement. The 42-year-old Aston Martin driver said he had not expected to be so competitive, but added that he hoped he might be in contention to repeat his surprise podium finish last year.
The two-time world champion on Wednesday said he would decide his future after the “first few weeks or races” because of the demands of this year’s unprecedented 24-race calendar.
Eliminated from Q2 last night and set to start 11th to 15th, respectively, were RB’s Yuki Tsunoda, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Williams’ Alexander Albon, RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, and Haas’ Kevin Magnussen. Leclerc was fastest in Q2 with a lap of 1:29.165.
Earlier, in Q1, Sainz topped the session with a mark of 1:29.909. Knocked out were Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu of Kick Sauber, Logan Sargeant of Williams, and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. They will start from 16th to 20th on the grid.
The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for a 6pm start today.
Meanwhile, a spectacular 20th anniversary air show will take place today as part of the pre-race festivities at BIC.
With the kingdom celebrating its historic milestone in F1 this year, this special air display has been organised as part of the exciting final build-up to the start of Bahrain’s 57-lap night race.
The show is scheduled for a 5.32pm start and it can be enjoyed from all areas of the circuit.
Also taking place in the skies above BIC prior to lights out is the traditional Gulf Air fly past, which will once again be thrilling fans.
This aviation spectacle, now a favourite amongst race-goers at every year’s race, is set to start at 5.46pm.
Prior to these, fans will be treated to a drivers’ parade starting at 4pm.
Race-goers attending the F1 Saturday night race will have a chance to win valuable prizes.
All those seated along BIC’s Main Grandstand are included in a draw and may come away as one of many lucky winners in the ‘10 Every 10’ raffle.
All they have to do is be in their allotted seats from 4.45pm until the race starts at 6pm. Ten random winners will be announced every 10 minutes during this period, making for plenty of additional excitement amongst those in attendance.
Prizes include high-end mobile phones and tablets, smart watches, headsets, gaming consoles, and so much more.
Fans are advised to be in their seats on time as winners will be identified by their seat numbers. They will be announced and located by BIC staff, so they must be in their seat in order to claim their prize.