Bahrain GP
1 Verstappen 2 Perez 3 Alonso
The Red Bull RB19 is shown to be so gentle on tyres that it uses the soft compound over the first two stints of this two-stop affair, while the rest go to hards as early as possible. Leclerc jumps Perez at the start, which allows Verstappen to escape. But an engine electrics failure after his second pitstop forces Leclerc out after Perez has battled back past. Alonso rises to inherit third.
Saudi Arabian GP
1 Perez 2 Verstappen 3 Alonso
A driveshaft failure leaves stomach bug-addled Verstappen starting 15th. Polesitter Perez gifts the early lead to Alonso, who is penalised for lining up too far left. Perez powers back past before a safety car period boosts Verstappen’s recovery. He then passes Russell and Alonso, and chases Perez. A post-race Alonso penalty for a jack touching his car during his first stop later gets rescinded.
Australian GP
1 Verstappen 2 Hamilton 3 Alonso
