Verstappen takes pole in Bahrain with Horner under scrutiny
The 2024 Formula 1 season kicks off in Bahrain still with controversy surrounding Christian Horner. Verstappen sets the pace, with Ferrari and Mercedes close behind.
The 2024 Formula 1 season has kicked off in Bahrain, with some modifications to the calendar including qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday to respect Ramadan. The start has been marked by discussions inside and outside the paddock, with lingering concern over the future of Christian Horner.
Just when all seemed to be quiet at the Red Bull team, an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour and the alleged sending of explicit material put Horner's reputation and standing in the paddock in jeopardy. During the media day a statement was issued which, in broad strokes, without revealing details, exonerated the Red Bull boss of any wrongdoing. However, the following day, an anonymous email arrived in the inboxes of leading journalists and even Stefano Domenicali (F1 CEO) and Ben Sulayem (FIA President) with a link to Google Drive containing the alleged incriminating evidence against Horner.
But if anyone thought all this fuss was going to stop Max Verstappen taking the first pole position of the season, they were wrong. The Dutchman built up momentum throughout qualifying to secure pole position at the end of Q3 for the next day's start, with a time of 1:29.179 . While the new RB20 looks like a winning bet, it also raises doubts, at least more than last year. Whether its race performance is far superior to that of its rivals is yet to be confirmed, and while Verstappen may be anticipated to be the favourite to win the drivers' title, in the case of the constructors' championship it may not be so clear-cut.
FERRARI HAS DONE ITS HOMEWORK
The Italian team seems to have found a balance between the speed of its old SF-23 and the resolution of its pace issues. Despite setting the fastest time in all stages of qualifying, Leclerc will start second tomorrow after failing to improve in Q3. Carlos Sainz, who has felt very comfortable with the new car since testing, showed good pace from FP3, where he was fastest, but failed to maximise his potential in the final laps of qualifying and will start from fourth. Between the Spaniard and the Monegasque will be George Russell, with a W15 that also shows promise.
ALONSO, GOOD FEELING WITH THE AMR-24
Fernando seems to have found a good compromise with his Aston Martin, after a week in which Alonso's responses to testing were not very encouraging. Alonso managed to qualify sixth, and depending on his race pace, he could be close to or even aiming for the podium (remember that last year he started fifth and finished third). On the other hand, his teammate Lance Stroll was again unable to match the Spaniard's pace and will start from eighteenth position.
