Verstappen's Dominance Continues

Max Verstappen looks set to cruise to a fourth consecutive drivers' title with Red Bull as the dominant team again this year when the curtain rises on Formula One's longest-ever season in Bahrain.

Whatever the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of controlling behavior by team boss Christian Horner, Red Bull have built a crushing level of momentum and a stunning car that oozed potential in pre-season testing.

With stable unchanged regulations and no changes to the driver line-ups, a year of deja vu is in prospect as the F1 circus embarks on a daunting and unprecedented run of 24 race weekends stretching to early December.

Verstappen's mental strength, the team's well-oiled winning habit, the design genius of Adrian Newey and an overall sense of ambition and hunger for more success are unlikely to be affected by a leadership change.

"We've had a lot of the same shots over the last few years. Now with these drones coming in, and especially this one being so fast as well, being able to keep up with the car, I think in some particular corners as well, it will be so cool that the drone is fully following the car as close as possible. For sure, it's going to be very interesting to finally be able to show that live to a lot of people," Max Verstappen said.

After sweeping to a record 21 wins in 22 races last year, with Verstappen claiming a record 19, plus 12 poles and nine fastest laps as he accumulated a staggering total of 575 points, Red Bull have every reason to believe they can stay on top.

In such a demanding calendar, much will depend on the form of Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who won twice last year before fading, if the team hopes for a clean sweep this time.

After his imperious form in 2023, the 26-year-old Dutchman has every reason to begin this year with a swagger.