Verstappen first poleman of the 2024 season, the last row for Alpine in Bahrain

• And the first poleman of the season is none other than Max Verstappen ! Discreet during the three free practice sessions which he did not dominate, the three-time world champion reminded everyone of his status by securing pole position. The battle seemed close, particularly because Charles Leclerc, always formidable in the exercise, was responsive. But the pilot Red Bull did not hold back and during his final attempt, improved in the process, he pushed the Monegasque back to 0"228 thanks to a lap in 1'29"179.

⏱️ Pole position for Max Verstappen ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell!

The top 8 is held in half a second! #BahrainGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ovU0RTj5T3

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 1, 2024

• Behind the duo who often liven up qualifying, it was George Russell who stood out. While his teammate Lewis Hamilton, only 9th, had more difficulty making his Mercedes, the Englishman distinguished himself with the 3rd fastest time. Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez completed the Top 5. Note the great performance of Nico Hulkenberg who climbed to Q3 with his modest Haas for a final 10th place.
• The bad news, and it was to be expected, came from the French ranks. At the house of Alpine, the qualification can be summed up as a nightmare even if there is no real surprise given the recent performances and expectations of the leaders. Fears of suffering were indeed confirmed with a double elimination from Q1. A first since the 2016 season and the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan when it was still a question of Renault. At the time Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen had not passed the threshold of the first part of the session.
• Even worse, Esteban Ocon et Pierre Gasly could not do better than 19th and 20th, synonymous with the last row for the Grand Prix this Saturday (16:00 p.m.). A result that reflects the reality in which we find ourselves Alpine who did not take the expected step forward. Looking forward to the first developments, expected for Japan (April 5-7) or China (April 19-21).

It's not enough for them Alpine who are eliminated in Q1 ❌

The Saubers and Sergeant do not progress to Q2 either! #BahrainGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/aBv44C3lLu

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 1, 2024

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