Spaniard Fernando Alonso completes the podium for his first race with Aston Martin.
"Finishing on the podium for the first race of the year is incredible," reacted the double world champion in the discipline (2005, 2006).
Aston Martin, expected as this season's outsider after having caused a sensation during pre-season testing, then those of the GP earlier this weekend thanks in particular to Alonso, places its second driver, the Canadian Lance Stroll, at the 6th place at the finish, between the Mercedes of the British Lewis Hamilton, 5th and George Russell, 7th.
Announced as Verstappen's main rival this season, Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) had to retire in the last third of the race, victim of a mechanical problem when he was provisional third in the GP.
"There was no more power so it's a shame because it's really in these weekends that we have to maximize the points", regretted the pilot in statements to Canal +.
The other Ferrari, that of Spaniard Carlos Sainz, finished just off the podium.
Finn Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpine), moved up from 20th and last place on the grid, and Thai Alexander Albon (Williams), complete the Top 10.
© 2023 AFP