World champion Max Verstappen set the tempo as pre-season Method 1 testing received underway in Bahrain.
The Pink Bull driver edged out two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in an Aston Martin with the 2 Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc tucked in behind.
“We had a very good day in the present day, we accomplished plenty of laps which is what we wished — nearly three Grand Prix’s value,” stated Verstappen.
“It’s good to see how the automotive has developed from final 12 months. The behaviour is a bit completely different due to the tyres however in any other case, we’re blissful.”
In 2022, Verstappen received 15 of twenty-two races, together with 9 of the final 11 as he swept to back-to-back world titles.
His remaining factors tally of 454 was comfortably 146 forward of second-place Leclerc. The Mercedes of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ended the primary day of three on the Sakhir circuit with the sixth and ninth greatest occasions.
Mercedes endured a roller-coaster season in 2022 after they completed third within the constructors championship behind Pink Bull and Ferrari.
Hamilton ended the marketing campaign in sixth place within the drivers standings, two spots behind Russell.
“It’s good to be again within the automotive right here in Bahrain. It was a pleasant, cool afternoon weather-wise, although windy,” stated Hamilton.
“We’ve received to maintain pushing, give attention to ourselves, and keep centered. It’s troublesome to know the place we’re within the order, however we’ll get a greater feeling within the days to come back.” The 2023 season begins on the Sakhir circuit on March 5.
Initially printed as World champion Max Verstappen lays down marker at pre-season Method One testing
