The Bahrain Grand Prix began with polesitter Verstappen holding the lead and controlling the race from the opening laps. Behind him, Pérez moved forward to establish a Red Bull one-two, while Ferrari fought for the podium with Leclerc struggling with braking balance and Sainz showing stronger race pace. Through the middle phase Verstappen managed his tyres while steadily increasing the gap, also setting the fastest lap. There was little late disruption, and he led every lap to win from pole, completing a grand slam with victory, fastest lap and every lap led. Pérez finished second and Sainz third, giving Red Bull a dominant one-two to start the season.