Norris arrives in Bahrain with Verstappen in hot pursuit

MANAMA - Formula One leader Lando Norris has Max Verstappen breathing down his neck and only a point separating the pair ahead of a Bahrain Grand Prix that could trigger a change at the top on Sunday.

Verstappen dominated last years race at Sakhir, the now-four-times world champion leading from pole to flag with fastest lap as Red Bull celebrated a one-two finish for the second season in a row.

A third successive win for Verstappen at the desert circuit, even if a one-two now looks highly unlikely, would be another big statement after a victory in Japan last weekend that ended McLarens winning start.

Bahrain (is a) completely different track, very tough on tyres... we still have work to do, said Verstappen after Suzuka, the start of a triple header that ends in Saudi Arabia next week.

But it (the Japanese GP) does show that if we really nail everything, we can be up there, added the 27-year-old whose new teammate Yuki Tsunoda has yet to score after replacing New Zealander Liam Lawson.

McLaren will be chasing their third successive double podium, and third win in four rounds, at what is a home race for the teams Bahraini owners.

Norris has led since he won last months opener in Australia, ending a Verstappen run at the top dating back to May 2022, and he and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri remain hot favourites.

Either could become the seasons first double winner -- they and Verstappen each have a pole and win so far -- but round four of 24 could also see Mercedes or Ferrari getting in on the act around a circuit all teams tested at in February.

It doesn’t take much of a mistake from us -- or certainly from myself -- to let the others in, said