The Bahrain Grand Prix lights up the Sakhir circuit when the season starts on Sunday, March 5. Formula 1 World Championship 2023 unfolds with 23 races around the globe, and Red Bull along with Max Verstappen enter as the team to beat after a dominant run.
The season narrative centers on Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, whose fortunes will be watched closely as the championship momentum builds. Red Bull’s early pace casts a long shadow, even as Aston Martin, led by Fernando Alonso, aims to carve out a steady presence at the top of the standings.
Follow the Bahrain GP qualifiers live
Max Verstappen remains the favorite to claim the title once more, with the Dutch driver driving a Red Bull car that has proven both blisteringly fast and exceptionally reliable. For rivals, the challenge is clear: close the gap and contend with the pace that has defined recent seasons. Ferrari, anchored by Sainz and Leclerc, looks to translate qualifying form into race success, while Aston Martin hopes Alonso’s experience and speed can push the team into frequent podium contention. The calendar’s length—23 races—ensures there will be many opportunities, and the finale in Abu Dhabi on November 26 will cap what could be a tightly fought contest. Alonso, starting the year with Aston Martin, aims to be a regular threat at the top and to join the battle for silverware as the season unfolds.