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Max Verstappen in Red Bull

Photo: Darko Bandic / AP

The affair surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was the dominant topic before the new Formula 1 season.

Horner was accused of “behaving inappropriately” toward an employee.

He was still allowed to remain in office.

Max Verstappen didn't seem to be fazed by the excitement surrounding his team boss.

The world champion raced to a start-to-finish victory in the first race in Bahrain on Saturday ahead of teammate Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz Jr.

in the Ferrari.

Nico Hülkenberg was unlucky: The German Haas driver started the race from tenth place, but fell far behind after an early accident and only came in 16th.

The race in Bahrain took place on Saturday because of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

Next week in Saudi Arabia there will be driving on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday.

More soon at SPIEGEL.de.

kjo