Christian Horner’s Red Bull off to flying start ahead of F1’s Bahrain Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton starts in 9th place

MAX VERSTAPPEN overcame off-track distractions to take pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s boss at Red Bull, Christian Horner, has been the centre of a smear campaign following an internal investigation over a complaint of inappropriate behaviour.

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Max Verstappen is on pole for the Bahrain GP this weeked[/caption]

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Red Bull’s latest win came after Christian Horner’s internal investigation[/caption]

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Lewis Hamilton will start in ninth for his final season with Mercedes[/caption]

Horner, who has always denied the accusations, was cleared on Wednesday after the grievance against him was dismissed by the team’s owners Red Bull.

However, he was launched back into the firing line on Thursday when an anonymous email was distributed to key paddock personnel claiming to be evidence from the report.

The file contained images of WhatsApp exchanges which Horner refused to comment on.

The bombshell threatened to disrupt their preparations for the new season however, Verstappen responded by taking the 33rd pole of his career ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell.

The world champion was congratulated by Horner over the team’s radio after fearing he had blown his chance at pole.

As he crossed the line, Gianpiero Lambiase – Verstappen’s engineer – said: “It was enough Max, well done.”

Verstappen replied: “I’m so sorry GP.”

Horner then added: “Nothing to be sorry about Max. A very good start. Two tenths clear of Charles and three tenths clear of George.”

Verstappen, who was 0.228 seconds quicker than Leclerc’s Ferrari, added: “We did very well in that qualifying to get the most out of it. So thank you to everyone. Well done.”

He later said: “It was a lot of fun. The track had a lot of grip but with the wind the last two days, it was tricky to get the whole lap together. It was the same in qualifying.

“To really get everything out of it in Q3 was a little more difficult but I’m very happy to be on pole.

“It was a little bit unexpected but luckily in qualifying the car came to us and I felt a bit happier with the whole car.

“The race is going to be close as well. We look good as well but we’ll see tomorrow. I’m confident we can have a strong race.”

Russell who was third added: “Everybody at the factory has done an amazing job to give Lewis and in a car that we feel much happier with and a base we can build upon.

“Ultimately, Max is still out there in front and we still have a lot of catching up to do.

“When we look at our qualifying performances in the last two years in Bahrain, and the race pace, starting in P3 is a great place.

“There’s been a huge amount of work. We have obviously made a big step forward in one lap pace and we hope we haven’t compromised the race pace.

“I think it will be a close fight between everybody apart from Max.

“Red Bull are so strong at the moment and Max is doing a great job. He’s got the new tyres. If there’s an opportunity to take the lead but ultimately the race for all of us is for second.

“But, nobody knows, it’s the first race of the season, I’m so excited to be back and let’s hope for some craziness.”

However, his teammate Lewis Hamilton was down in ninth place but 0.531 seconds behind Verstappen’s time in what is an incredibly close top 10.