In the glow of the desert fireworks of Bahrain Racing winner Oscar Piatri from McLaren-TeamBoss Zak Brown was heard. Team colleague Lando Norris took a deep sip of the water powder through his just saved World Cup lead. «It was an incredible weekend. We did it with style, »said Piatri after his second Formula 1 season victory, with which he defeated defending champion Max Verstappen from second place in the overall ranking and is only three points behind Norris.
The Australian in Sakhir George Russell referred to his title tire ride Mercedes With a clear lead in second place. Norris still took third place in the last rounds, but no longer managed to make the McLaren double success perfect in a hard duel against Russell. “A little disappointing,” admitted the 25-year-old. After all, the podium was enough for him to be able to leave Bahrain as a World Cup leader.
It was much worse for world champions Verstappen: The Dutch drove after a chance in the Red Bull and only finished sixth. As 13th, clean pilot Nico Hülkenberg was first considered. However, because the underbody of his car was so worn out that it violated the rules, the Rhinelander was disqualified more than two hours after the end of the race.
Piatri starts from the pole position
Already in training it had been evident that the McLaren had come to Bahrain with the much fastest car. Piatri in particular drove away from the competition and also secured the pole position ahead of Ferrari-Pilot Charles Leclerc and Russell in the qualification.
In contrast, team -mate Norris had astonishing effort. “I feel as if I had never driven a Formula 1 car before,” complained the Briton, who only made it to six. After all, Norris was a little faster than defending champions, for whom brake problems only ranked seventh.
Displustion frustration because of his car
«As I feel in the car, I can’t say on TV. Nothing actually worked. This is a huge problem, »grumbled the Dutch. Just a week after his masterful journey to the unexpected victory in Japan, Verstappen was once more dissatisfied with his company car. Also on the introductory round before the start of the race, he breathed out his displeasure on the pit radio.
The four-time champion promptly fell back at the start and had to struggle in the front midfield from then on. In contrast, Norris rushed past three competitors on the first meters and was third after a few curves.
But that was not entirely possible with right things. Norris had parked a little too far in the starting line -up, as reported to the Verstappen next to him by radio. The racing commissioners determined and imposed and imposed five seconds due to a false start.
Ferrari collects leadership kilometers
Piatri controlled the action at the top. Norris grumbled his time penalty at the first tire change and started hunting for the podium. Piatri and pursuer Russell also came to the garage as planned. So now Leclerc and Ferrari colleague Lewis Hamilton The field for a while because they started with the somewhat harder and therefore more durable tires.
Everything sorted back in round 18. The question was who would earn an invitation to the award ceremony in addition to the sovereign Piatri. Russell, Norris or Leclerc – one would go away empty -handed.
Safety car brings excitement again
Verstappen, however, continued his whining about his car and the lack of tire liability. “Everything is overheated,” the 27-year-old bumped. Neuling Kimi Antonelli did not know any pity in Mercedes and drove past with a sparkling clean maneuver. Shortly afterwards Verstappen also had to let Hamilton steep. “I can’t even brake anymore, that’s ridiculous,” the world champion sparked.
Frustrated, Verstappen came earlier than everyone else to change the second tire and initially ordered himself back on the track. Then the safety car was used because debris was on the asphalt. Most drivers promptly got fresh tires.
Piatri skilfully defended his leadership in the restart. Team companion Norris fought a hard three -way battle with Leclerc and Hamilton and lost so valuable soil. In the end, however, Norris kept his nerves, overtaking both Ferrari And saved his World Cup lead.
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