FACTS AND STATS: Perez matches Alesi, as Alonso grabs best Aston Martin start since the 1950s

Perez Clinches Equivalent of Alesi’s, as Alonso Captures Most Exceptional Aston Martin Start Since 1950s

Sergio Perez equaled the record of former Formula One driver Jean Alesi on Sunday, while Fernando Alonso’s performance marked the best Aston Martin starting position since the 1950s.

Perez, 30, secured the equal of Alesi’s record of 11 consecutive points-scoring finishes, as he finished in ninth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Mexican driver, who drives for the Red Bull Racing team, has earned points in every race since the restart of the 2020 season. Alesi achieved his record in 1995-96.

Alonso, 39, delivered a remarkable drive to take fourth place in the Aston Martin AMR21. It was the first podium finish for the team since its return to Formula One, and the first time an Aston Martin-branded car has been on the podium since 1959.

The Spaniard, who rejoined the sport this season after a two-year hiatus, has now scored points in both of his opening two races with the team.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who led the race from pole position until the end, to become the first driver to win three consecutive races since Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Verstappen’s teammate, Perez, had started the race in ninth place and finished the race in the same position, to secure his record-equaling result.

It was an impressive showing from Alonso, who had started in 10th place, but managed to make up six places to secure fourth.

The two-time world champion, who is making a return to the sport after a two-year hiatus, has now scored points in both of his opening two races with the team.

The result marks the best start for a car with the Aston Martin branding since the 1950s, when Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks both finished on the podium in the 1959 British Grand Prix.

Sunday’s race was the third Grand Prix of the 2021 season, and the first of the season to be held in Bahrain. The fourth race of the season will take place in Imola, Italy, on April 18.