The first qualifying session if 2023 has come and gone, with Max Verstappen picking up where he left off last season, but it was a remarkably tight spread for most of the session.

Check out our recap in pictures of Saturday's qualifying for the Bahrain GP.

Pierre Gasly (FRA), Alpine F1 Team 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): James Matthews (GBR) Eden Rock Group CEO - Williams Racing Board Member with James Vowles (GBR) Williams Racing Team Principal and Charles Gordon-Lennox, Duke of Richmond (GBR). 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA), Alpine F1 Team 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA), Alpine F1 Team 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA), Alpine F1 Team and Esteban Ocon (FRA), Alpine F1 Team 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Nyck de Vries (NLD) AlphaTauri. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Zhou Guanyu (CHN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Piero Ferrari (ITA) Ferrari Vice-President. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Matthew Savage, Dorilton Capital Chairman - Williams Racing Director. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Piero Ferrari (ITA) Ferrari Vice-President with his wife Romina Gingasu (ROM). 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Piero Ferrari (ITA) Ferrari Vice-President with his wife Romina Gingasu (ROM). 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari and team mate Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Piero Ferrari (ITA) Ferrari Vice-President. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Zhou Guanyu (CHN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team C43. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A523. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing FW45. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A523. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB19. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing FW45. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Nyck de Vries (NLD) AlphaTauri AT04. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A523. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren MCL60. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas VF-23. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team C43 locks up under braking. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A523. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas VF-23. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL60. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas VF-23 and team mate Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Haas VF-23. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal with his wife Geri Horner (GBR) Singer. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Gerhard Berger (AUT) with HSH Prince Albert of Monaco (MON); Toto Wolff (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 Shareholder and Executive Director; and Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
HSH Prince Albert of Monaco (MON) (Left). 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
A marshal clears debris from the circuit. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 with fans. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas F1 Team. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
AlphaTauri pit gantry. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Ruth Buscombe (GBR) Alfa Romeo F1 Team Head of Race Strategy on the pit gantry. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Robert Shwartzman (RUS) / (ISR) Ferrari Reserve Driver. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Red Bull Racing pit gantry. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images
Pole sitter Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB19 and team mate Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB19 in qualifying parc ferme. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore
Pole Position for Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB19, 2nd for Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing and 3rd for Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in qualifying parc ferme with Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing receives the Pirelli Pole Position Award from Mario Isola (ITA) Pirelli Racing Manager. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
The helmet of Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari in parc ferme. 04.03.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, Qualifying Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

35 mins ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

2 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

18 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

21 hours ago