Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen kicked off his 2024 title defense in commanding fashion, converting pole position into victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix season opener. The reigning World Champion dominated under the floodlights of Sakhir, leading every lap from lights to flag to deliver Red Bull's fourth consecutive season-opening win.

Verstappen's superiority was evident throughout the 57-lap race, with the Dutchman controlling the pace and managing a comfortable gap to teammate Sergio Perez, who secured second place. The Red Bull pair were never seriously challenged, demonstrating the RB20's early-season pace advantage. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third place, showing promising speed despite returning from appendicitis surgery that had forced him to miss the final pre-season test.

The race marked the beginning of what appeared to be another Red Bull-dominated season, with the team's one-two finish sending an ominous message to their rivals. Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari, while George Russell brought his Mercedes home in fifth. The season opener set the tone for Verstappen's early-season dominance, though few could predict the competitive shift that would emerge later in the year.