Perez makes Red Bull COMPLAINT despite podium finish - Top Three Bahrain GP verdict

The inaugural race of the season unfolded without much drama, as Max Verstappen streaked away from Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz in second and third.

Verstappen, aside from a brief tussle with Charles Leclerc early on, mirrored Red Bull's formidable form from the previous year, securing an undisputed victory in Sakhir.

Despite potential uncertainties about his future with the team, Perez had an almost flawless start to his season. However, he expressed concerns about the RB20, hoping for necessary fixes before the upcoming race in Jeddah next week.

Although luck didn't favour Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, his team-mate Sainz achieved a podium finish and openly expressed his 'surprise' at maintaining pace with the dominant Red Bull team.

READ MORE: Christian Horner's wife Geri makes SHARP Bahrain arrival

Here's what the drivers had to say post-race...

Max Verstappen

“Unbelievable. I think today went even better than expected. I think the car was really nice to drive on every compound. We had a lot of pace.

“It was just super enjoyable to drive today; we really stayed out of trouble. Great start to the year. I mean, it couldn't have been better."

He added: “It was a lot of fun. I felt really good in the car. It's always very special to have these kinds of days because they don't happen that often it just all goes perfect, and you're just one with the car and everything just feels great.”

Sergio Perez

“I think it was the maximum we could have achieved,” Perez said. "It was quite a tricky race with the management of the tyres. I think there's plenty we will learn from tonight's race which will be important for the championship.

“But overall, I think it's a great way to start the season.

On his tyre issues, Perez added: "It was really compound to compound, the amount of sliding we were having.

“We were having some issues with the engine braking and the driveability, which is not easy around here because there's plenty of low speed.

“I'm sure we're going to analyse all of this tonight and make sure we learn for Jeddah [next week].”

Carlos Sainz

“I felt really good out there today,” Sainz explained. “The start wasn’t ideal but from then on I just managed my tyres as well, and then from there I could do my pace, overtook two or three cars on the way to the podium.

“Then keeping up with the Red Bull there at the end, which was a pleasant surprise. Still not enough, not where we want to be, but [it’s] good steps forward compared to last year and a solid start to the season.”

READ MORE: Horner and Red Bull saga has created paddock 'GOLDFISH bowl'

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