Max Verstappen begins world title defence with superb win at Bahrain Grand Prix

FAST START: Max Verstappen began his title defence in style . Pic: Frank Augstein/AP

Max Verstappen opened his championship defence with a crushing victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver, who dominated last season to claim his second consecutive world crown, outclassed his rivals with an ominous performance under the floodlights in Sakhir.