Lewis Hamilton holds off Max Verstappen to win season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Picture: Lars Baron/AP

Lewis Hamilton defied the odds to hold off Max Verstappen and win the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In a fascinating conclusion to the opening race of the year, Hamilton and Verstappen raced all the way to the chequered flag, with the former crossing the line just 0.7 seconds ahead of his rival.