Verstappen started on pole and, as many expected and feared, simply drove off into the desert night, quickly establishing a big gap to the rest of the grid.
Sergio Perez ensured it was a Red Bull 1-2, with the reigning champions very much still the team to beat, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz drove well to complete the podium.
After a disappointing qualifying, Sir Lewis Hamilton was unable to make up time in the race, coming home in seventh just behind fellow Brit Lando Norris, while his Mercedes teammate George Russell came home fifth.
The win and indeed the whole start of the new season has been overshadowed by the saga involving Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
The 50-year-old was investigated after a female employee of Red Bull accused him of ‘inappropriate behaviour’, and though he was cleared by the F1 team, supposed texts and images between Horner and the accuser were leaked to the media.
Horner has maintained his innocence throughout and on Saturday was joined in Bahrain by his wife, the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
Speaking to Verstappen on the team radio, Horner said: ‘Well done Max, as you said 1-2, pole position and fastest lap, clean sweep.
‘Brilliant, brilliant start to the year.’
More to follow…
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