Verstappen stopped hiding and Alonso’s prediction came true in Bahrain qualifying

Now yes. Nothing to hide, the moment of truth has arrived: the first classification of the 2024 season of Formula 1. After so many kilometers of travel inward Bahrainit’s time to get the perfect lap on the circuit Sakhir. And the one who did it best was none other than Max Verstappen who refused to show all cards during free practice, ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell. For his part, Carlos Sainz then fourth while Fernando Alonso then sixth.

Already in the first attempt of Q3, Max Verstappen He was first in 1:29.421, just 59 thousandths ahead of Charles Leclerc, who had a great lap. But on the second attempt the Dutchman finished with a 1:29.179, two tenths faster than the Monegasque’s final time.

On the second line, a brilliant George Russell appeared who finished 0”306 behind Verstappen’s time with Mercedes. Next to the British he will start in fourth position Carlos Sainzwhich was just over a tenth behind his teammate’s time Ferrari. TOP5 was closed by a calm Czech Perezwho never found the rhythm of Verstappen in the RB20

Alonso only got one bullet

The Asturian only had a soft tire in Q3 and therefore only had one chance to set a good lap. His second sector was amazing and possibly left the time in 1:29.542, which left him in third position. In the second attempt of the others he ended up in sixth place, just behind the three strongest teams, something the Asturian had already predicted after free practice.

Fernando has already said that he expects to be a bit behind the favourites, which are the Red Bulls and the Ferraris. Even Alonso managed to overcome three direct rivals like two McLaren, Lando Norris (7th) and Oscar Piastri (8th), and Hamilton (9th). Lewis’ result was surprising considering he was the best in Free Practice 2 on Thursday.

The pleasant surprise is Nico Hulkenberg, with Haas he was able to break into Q3 and close out the top ten when expectations were lower.

They finished outside the Top 10 Tsunoda in eleventh position just ahead of a disappointing one Lance Strolling, who was left in Q3 far behind Fernando Alonso. The Canadian followed Albon with Williams, Ricciardo including RB and Magnussen closed the Top15 with Haas

Disaster for Alpine

In Q1 Ferrari tried to start with medium tires at the start to avoid using soft but they all started with red tires and also ended up using faster rubber. Everything was very fair and the proof of this was that after the first attempt, the first six were separated by only three tenths. Regarding the deleted, there are no surprises two Saubers, Bottas and Zhouthe Williams of Sergeant and both Alpinewhich proves disastrous for Ocon and Gasly, like red lanterns of classification.