F1: Verstappen wins Bahrain GP - Report

Red Bull's Max Verstappen sent out a chilling message to his Formula 1 rivals by claiming a crushing victory in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Verstappen, starting from pole position, led every lap of the race and was never seriously challenged as he crossed the line 10 seconds clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

The Dutchman's victory was all the more impressive given that he had to overcome a late safety car period, which bunched up the field and gave his rivals a chance to close in.

However, Verstappen was untroubled by the restart and pulled away from Leclerc with ease.

Leclerc ultimately finished second, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.