Max Verstappen asserted himself once again in Bahrain qualifying, putting the RB20 in Pole Position.
After a series of close free practice sessions, Max Verstappen stamped his authority on the field. The Dutchman claimed Pole Position for Red Bull, although a stronger chasing pack than last year accompanies him.
Adrian Newey’s RB20 was always the favourite to go fastest. A well-timed run from the 3-time Champion also granted him a helpful dose of slipstream from Oscar Piastri in Q3.
Charles Leclerc was just behind, confirming the Ferrari SF-24 as a strong contender.
Additionally, the Maranello-based team’s long-run pace seems far better this season. This should give Leclerc better chances of competing at the front tomorrow.
George Russell managed P3 in the W15, keeping his positive momentum from FP3. The Silver Arrows will be pleased with the reduced gap to Verstappen compared to Bahrain 2023.
Fine margins across the field
Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez finished 4th and 5th respectively, both slightly behind their teammates.
Fernando Alonso put together a solid lap to put himself P6, within hundredths of Russell’s best time.
Aston Martin sent the 42-year-old out on track halfway through the season. This decision somewhat punished him today, but should pay dividends in the Grand Prix.
Norris and Piastri were P7 and P8, completing an underwhelming though far from catastrophic session for McLaren.
Hamilton will be disappointed with 9th place, finishing several tenths away from his teammate.
Nico Hulkenberg was excellent once again in qualifying, confirming that Haas remains a threat on low-fuel.
If the VF-24 can look after its tyres, the American outfit can fight for points tomorrow.
Yuki Tsunoda finished in 11th once again, just 0.007 away from making it into the final shootout.
However, the Japanese driver will be pleased to qualify teammate Daniel Ricciardo, especially after a difficult sequence of practice sessions.
Lance Stroll will be disappointed to finish outside the top 10, although at least the AMR24 has clear speed.
At the very back, Alpine confirmed the suspicions held across the paddock prior to this weekend.
Team Enstone is a long way off the pace, and needs to find drastic improvement quickly.
