Max Verstappen won in Bahrain for the first time, the reigning world champion taking Red Bull Racing's first victory at Sakhir since 2013 with a comfortable 12-second win from pole. Teammate Sergio Perez passed Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to secure second.
Fernando Alonso finished third with a brilliant drive for Aston Martin after Leclerc retired late with an electrical issue, the 41-year-old storming past Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) for his 99th podium.
Oscar Watch
Oscar Piastri had a difficult F1® debut, McLaren's new man starting from 18th on the grid but retiring after just 13 laps with an electrical issue.
Unsung Hero
Lance Stroll: while teammate Alonso rightfully took the plaudits by hauling last year's seventh-best team onto the podium in the season's first race, the Canadian battled to sixth place under duress after missing all of the pre-season testing with a broken wrist and broken toe from a biking accident.
Number to Know
1: this is Red Bull's first win in Bahrain under lights, as the event became a night race for the first time in 2014 after Sebastian Vettel had won the 2013 race for the team.
We had not the best start today. We had to pass on track, it felt a little bit more exciting. More adrenaline for sure. People enjoy it … we did as well.
Bahrain Grand Prix: top 10
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 1hr 33mins 56.736secs
2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) + 11.987secs
3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +38.637secs
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +48.052secs
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +50.977secs
6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +54.502secs
7. George Russell (Mercedes) +55.873secs
8. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +72.647secs
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +73.753secs
10. Alexander Albon (Williams) +89.774secs
Standings (top 5)
Drivers' championship
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 25 points
2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) 18 points
3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 15 points
4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 12 points
5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 10 points
Constructors' championship
1. Red Bull Racing (43 points)
2. Aston Martin (23 points)
3. Mercedes (16 points)
4. Ferrari (12 points)
5. Alfa Romeo (4 points)
Next race
Round 2: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah Corniche Circuit), Mar 17-19
