India, Feb. 21 -- Max Verstappen dominated the first day of Formula 1 preseason testing in Bahrain with a spectacular display of speed. With an eye towards clinching his fourth drivers' championship in a row this year, the defending champion blew away the field, crossing the finish line one second ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. Even though there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to testing lap times, Verstappen's improved Red Bull unquestionably set a notable milestone. A dramatic departure from Red Bull's dominant 2023 RB19, the RB20 arrived to much fanfare at the Bahrain show.

2024 F1 2024 Bahrain Test: Day 1 Pre-season

The morning session belonged to the three-time world champion, and he never relinquished his lead. With a remark...