Bahrain GP Report: Advantage McLaren
This weekend‘s Grand Prix, in Bahrain, had almost as much global reaction as the previous race in which a superstar was crowned a record-equalling seventh championship. Shockingly, it was a reminder for the wold that motorsport is dangerous. When the 20 drivers put their helmets on for the start of the race, they must do so accepting that there is always the possibility that it is the last time that they do so.
Happily, Romain Grosjean was able to walk away from his horrible accident, on which there was plenty of coverage, with minor burns. While we were relieved at the strides made by motorsport over the years, to save the Frenchman, it was an awakening for Formula One and the onlooking world that this isn’t Hollywood.
The positive news is that Romain has been discharged from hospital, so I shall talk about the race itself.
Biggest winner: McLaren
Now that Mercedes have won the championships, there’s nothing to race for now? Wrong. Racing Point, Renault and McLaren find themselves in a monumental battle for third sport and a significant amount of prize money. With big rule changes, in 2022, looming, funds are, well, fundamental.
On Saturday, McLaren was a bit scruffy. Carlos Sainz has a mechanical failure that locked the rear axels and left him well down the order. Meanwhile, Lando Norris was fortunate to escape Q1 elimination and got an underwhelming ninth position. In comparison, Racing Point had the ever-consistent Sergio Perez starting in fifth, and both Renaults started ahead of Lando.
Come race day, things were different. Despite breaking his wing in the first race start, Lando would have e a solid and mature drive. Fifth place was very much deserved. He would then be treated to fourth spot with a late engine failure for Perez, whose teammate, stroll, also didn’t finish. Then there was my driver of the day, Carlos Sainz, who showed why Ferrari signed him by driving from fifteenth to fifth. Carlos is champion material, I’ve said it before, and it looks like I’ve said it again.
Advantage McLaren, heading into the final two races with a 17-point lead over Racing Point. McLaren are coming back and isn’t that just wonderful.
Biggest loser: Sergio Perez
Given that I just told you, Perez’s fate won’t come as a surprise to you. An engine failure in that laps would be cruel for anyone, not least, a guy who had driven all weekend superbly to what could have been the last podium of his career. But this is the harsh nature of racing cars around a track for a living: you might break down occasionally.
Moment of the race: Danny Daring
As we know, Sainz was on the move in this Grand Prix. Bahrain is a such an excellent track for overtaking, and the young Spaniard showed it against his future Ferrari teammate, coming on top of a great battle. My favourite moment came just after this.
Daniel Ricciardo had a start that didn’t live up to his usual standards. However, the Aussie showed that he still had his opportunistic, jump behind the sofa sort of moves in him. A beautiful dive up the inside of an already defending Charles Leclerc had me off my seat. It reminded me of the move he made on Bottas when he won China a couple of years ago. I can’t wait for him to get in a McLaren and go hunting for wins.
AJontheLine Line of the Weekend: “Lewis you’re on pole”.
The world champion, Lewis Hamilton, took pole position and the win. No shock there. But after being told on the radio, “Lewis, you’re on pole”. Martin Brundle made the good observation that the message could have been pre-recorded from one of his previous 97 pole positions.
Unfortunately, Lewis won’t be making it a century of pole positions this year because he has tested positive for Coronavirus. Firstly, I wish him the best, not that he reads this blog. Secondly, though, this is an interesting test for Formula One. How can they function without the main character? Who can use this as an opportunity to win?
It’s not out of the realms of possibility that George Russel could win. No, I’m not mad. I’ve just seen the news that Russell has been called up to replace Lewis at Mercedes for the following race. As a fast, mature and hard-working young Brit, I can think of nobody better to take on the role. What an opportunity it is for George to drive the fastest F1 car ever in the team that Lewis has helped build. If this goes well, it might cause Valtteri Bottas to worry about his 2022 seat.
If George gets a podium, he’ll have done a fantastic job. I look forward to cheering him on.
Honourable Mention: There’s a few
Ian Roberts and Alan van der Merwe: The F1 medic and medical car driver that helped Romain from the flames.
Jules Bianchi: A talent whom we lost too soon, in 2014. His crash was one which encouraged the halo to be brought to Formula One cars, saving Romain’s life.
Charlie Whiting, Professor Sid Watkins and Sir Jackie Stuart: All instrumental in moving F1 safety forward.
Everyone who volunteers at motorsport events: Without these people, there could be no race.
I am sure I have missed many. But to whom it may concern, thank you.