Speaking after the race, Sainz said: “I felt really good out there today, the start wasn’t great, from then on I just managed my tyres well and then I could do my race.
“I overtook two or three cars on the way to the podium and keeping up with the Red Bull there was a pleasant surprise. It’s still not enough and where we want to be. Good step forward and a solid start to the season.”
The Bahrain GP was far from the show-stopper that fans had hoped for heading into the first race weekend of the season. Instead, it was a familiar tale as Verstappen romped clear of the field to claim a commanding Grand Prix victory.
