Each Method 1 crew ought to like its probabilities earlier than the primary race of the season. The automobiles don’t have a scratch. The technique feels proper. Nothing has gone terribly unsuitable — but. There’s, for this one transient second in time, solely upside and hope.
Many of the issues that may ship a season off the rails — unhealthy choices, unhealthy crashes and unhealthy climate — are nonetheless safely out over the horizon. Just one factor, in truth, is definite as Method 1 opens its new season on Sunday with the Bahrain Grand Prix: Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen, the two-time defending world champion, stays the driving force everybody must catch.
Verstappen will begin on the pole Sunday after holding off his teammate Sergio Perez and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in qualifying on Saturday. That’s solely how they may begin, although; the remainder of the story line — 22 races, numerous challenges and all these miles — will roll out from there.
“Hopefully,” Verstappen stated, “no loopy issues will occur.”
How you can Watch?
Time: Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix begins at 10 a.m. Jap, 6 p.m. native time in Bahrain.
TV: ESPN in america. For a full listing of Method 1 broadcast rights holders wherever you’re, click on right here.
Method 1: On and Off the Monitor
Sunday’s Beginning Grid
Crimson Bull — in a shock to virtually nobody — certified first and second, with the 2 Ferraris proper behind.
Behinds the Scenes in Bahrain
Catch Me Up Earlier than the Begin
For those who’re feeling as if lots has occurred because the finish of final season, you’re proper. Right here’s a refresher on how issues ended up in 2022: