Verstappen opens F1 season with win in Bahrain, Alonso 3rd

SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Max Verstappen has won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position by leading almost the entire race as he began the defense of his back-to-back Formula One titles. Red Bull clinched a 1-2 with Sergio Perez second while 41-year-old Fernando Alonso took a brilliant third place. Alonso claimed a 99th career podium on a stunning race debut for Aston Martin. Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll bumped into each other at the start when Alonso dropped a couple of places but they were all smiles at the end. It was Verstappen’s 36th career win but the Dutchman’s first at the flood-lit Sakhir circuit.