Bahrain Grand Prix: Christian Horner “reserves judgment” on Red Bull’s dominance for up to three races

Christian Horner ‘reserves judgement’ on his workforce’s dominance till after three races; Max Verstappen took a dominating victory on the Bahrain Grand Prix; His teammate Sergio Perez got here second for a Crimson Bull double

Christian Horner ‘reserves judgment’ on Crimson Bull’s dominance over the remainder of the F1 area regardless of an ideal begin to the 2023 season on the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen took victory nearly 12 seconds away from team-mate Sergio Perez, with Fernando Alonso almost half a minute away from third for Aston Martin.

Ferrari was briefly in competition after Charles Leclerc handed Perez firstly, however the Monegasque was overtaken by second-placed Crimson Bull halfway by way of the race earlier than retiring with engine failure whereas working third.

Fernando Alonso got here third for Aston Martin, almost half a minute behind Perez.

Regardless of an ideal begin to the 2023 season, Horner believes his workforce should wait just a few extra races to verify whether or not they’re as far forward of different groups on the grid as they’re perceived to be, “reserving judgement” on how the season will unfold. happen.

“That may change in a short time – take a look at final yr how issues modified, Mercedes got here a great distance they usually had a profitable automobile on the finish of the yr with this idea,” mentioned Horner.

Please use Chrome browser for extra accessible video participant

Max Verstappen despatched an ominous warning to his rivals as he sailed to win the season opener in Bahrain, whereas Fernando Alonso completed third for his first podium with the brand new Aston Martin workforce.

“Ferrari had no luck with Charles at this time, however a special circuit in Jeddah – I believe we now have to attend to see a pattern of two or three races, not only one observe.

“So let’s reserve judgment till just a few championship races.”

Though he tried to mood expectations, Horner admitted it had been an “unimaginable” weekend for his workforce as they “got here out of the blocks” within the “finest approach doable”.

Please use Chrome browser for extra accessible video participant

Sergio Perez handed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to make it a Crimson Bull one-two after 26 laps in Bahrain

“It has been an incredible weekend,” he added.

“We geared the automobile in direction of the race, the drivers have been implausible at this time, the pit crew did their job, we have been capable of get the tender tires to work – the degradation in our automobiles appeared lower than the others and that then provides you choices.

“Checo misplaced firstly – he had a bit of labor to do with Charles – however, once more, the technique performed out nicely there and he obtained the go after which it was about managing the run up. on the finish.

Please use Chrome browser for extra accessible video participant

Highlights from the 2023 F1 season opener on the Bahrain Grand Prix

“It is only a pattern of 1 (race), all of the circuits are completely different but it surely’s a great begin for us to get out of the blocks in contrast to final yr once we sat right here with zero factors.

“We got here right here decided to attempt to clear up this downside this yr and we did it in one of the simplest ways doable.”

Verstappen: We lived as much as the hype

Verstappen was “proud” of his Crimson Bull workforce’s efficiency to assert their first-ever Bahrain Grand Prix victory as they lived as much as the “hype” surrounding their automobile.

Please use Chrome browser for extra accessible video participant

The Crimson Bull pair of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been delighted with their begin to the season on the Bahrain Grand Prix

“Everybody was hyping it up, however you continue to have to point out it,” Verstappen mentioned.

“I knew we had a great race automobile, however all the pieces has to come back collectively. Fortuitously, it labored very nicely.

“The primary stint was actually vital for me, simply to shut the hole and after that I may simply handle my tires in case one thing occurred.

“For the entire workforce at this time is precisely the beginning we needed and I am very proud that we have been capable of obtain that.

“It was by no means actually our power, the primary race of the yr, however fortunately now it appears to be.”

And after?

The 2023 Method 1 season continues with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on the game’s quickest city observe in Jeddah.

The motion is reside on Sky Sports activities F1 from March 17-19, with Sunday’s race at 5pm.