Bahrain GP Qualifying: Max Verstappen takes opening F1 2023 pole as Red Bull oust Ferrari and Fernando Alonso

Max Verstappen claims Bahrain GP pole ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez; Ferraris on second row with Fernando Alonso starting fifth for Aston Martin ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamiltonwatch Sunday’s race live at 3pm on Sky Sports F1, with build-up from 1.30pm

Max Verstappen will lead a Red Bull one-two off the line in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after the world champions fended off a feisty chasing pack in a pulsating and closely-fought qualifying.

Ferrari topped both the opening segments in qualifying but Verstappen stamped his authority on the shootout by setting the pace with a 1:29.708 in Q3.

More to follow.

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Formula 1 is back! Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Sunday’s race begins at 3pm, with build-up from 1.30pm. Get Sky Sports