La first race of the season, in Bahrain, closes with the undisputed success of Red Bull. Max Verstappen closes ahead of teammate Sergio Perez and a super Fernando Alonso who, thanks also to the withdrawal of Leclerc, manages to get on the podium. Let's find out together the report cards of the first, wonderful, top ten of 2023.
The report cards: the podium
Max Verstappen
Perfect race, as well as his dominated weekend from start to finish. He starts from pole and takes home his first victory of the season. Vote 10.
Sergio Perez
Very solid race. He had the strongest car and was very good in handling. Grade 9.
Fernando Alonso
There is little to say about Nando, if not stand up and applaud him. Aston Martin he shows he's there and Fernando is more excited than ever for this season: 99th podium of his career. Vote 10.
Off the podium
Carlos Sainz
It was not a good start for Ferrari at all. The Maranello team struggled a lot. Sainz tried not to give up the podium, but not much could be done with the hard tyres. Grade 7.
Lewis Hamilton
The duel with Alonso was to be framed. Beautiful race of the seven times world champion who does not hit the podium but more for the responsibility of the Mercedes. Grade 8.
Lance stroll
Both wrists fractured, recovery in extremis and very constant competition. He starts eighth and gains two positions, despite the initial error that caused the contact with his teammate Alonso. Grade 9.
George Russell
He did his: nothing great. Considering the great difficulties with the car, he takes home a good seventh place, as well as his vote. Rating 6.5.
Valtteri Bottas
Great race for the Finn who hits the points, demonstrating even more the great possibilities of Alfa Romeo for this season. Grade 8.
Pierre Gasly
An incredible comeback. The team mate was forced to retire, while he, who started from last, flies into the points. May it be the race of his departure. Vote 10.
Alexander albon
Already in yesterday's qualifying he had shown something very interesting, confirming everything in the race. Grade 9.
