Verstappen makes strong start in Bahrain

World champion Max Verstappen, seeking a third successive title, topped Thursday’s opening session at the Bahrain International Circuit from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

🏁 DAY 1 TESTING CLASSIFICATION 🏁

Max Verstappen and Red Bull on fire 💪🔥

And, an impressive time from Fernando Alonso in the @AstonMartinF1 car, with the Ferraris close behind 😏#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/uSYNhWfWLY

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 23, 2023

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The Dutch driver then improved by a tenth in the afternoon to stay marginally clear of Fernando Alonso, who set an eye-catching time for his new team Aston Martin.

Verstappen, who was the only driver to feature in both sessions on the first of three days of testing, completed a remarkable 157 laps, just five shy of three race distances.

Charles Leclerc, who finished second to Verstappen last year, slotted into fourth behind his team-mate Sainz, while Lando Norris was fifth for McLaren despite losing track time after the team needed to carry out “precautionary repairs” to his car.

Mercedes appeared unable to match Verstappen’s pace as Lewis Hamilton finished sixth after driving in the later session but were at least encouraged by the apparent absence of the bouncing issues that plagued their disappointing 2022 campaign.

Verstappen, Sainz, Hamilton and Norris are all in action tomorrow morning before handing over to their teammates.

The Bahrain International Circuit will host the opening Grand Prix of the season on March 5.