TREMAYNE: Sainz’s storming drive in Bahrain was the perfect response to news of his impending Ferrari exit

Hall of Fame F1 JournalistDavid Tremayne
Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr drives during the qualifying session of the BahrainBAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 2: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Scuderia Ferrari in parc ferme prior to the podium celebrations at the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 2, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)

Reasons to be cheerful, Pt 3. Remember that old Ian Dury and The Blockheads song? Well, Max Verstappen and Red Bull pretty much carried on where they left off in Abi Dhabi last year, in winning Bahrain’s opening Grand Prix of 2024.

In fact, his margin of victory over team mate Sergio Perez (later penalised in Abu Dhabi) was slightly larger. And from the manner in which the world champion romped away so comfortably it’s tempting to predict another dominant season from Max.