Bahrain Grand Prix: Key highlights
Since its first arrival in 2004 in the Sakhir desert, Formula 1 has offered numerous moments that are still etched in stone today. It is time to go back in time, to reminisce about the key moments of this race, which will open this season.
2004: First trial run
After a crazy 2003 season, Formula 1 allowed itself some exoticism by setting its suitcases down in the Middle East for the very first time in its history.
A flamboyant, ultra-modern circuit, which in some respects reminds one of the Sepang track. This very first Grand Prix in Bahrain’s history did not offer much suspense for the victory, as Michael Schumacher and Ferrari were continuing what would be their final year of dominance.
The track, wide and rather fast, was conducive to overtaking but also to collisions: a certain Takuma Sato sent Ralf Schumacher spinning, who was very relieved not to roll over, at the second corner.
2005: in the name of the Pope
The following season, Ferrari had lost its favorite status, thanks (or to blame) to a regulation change regarding the tires.
Italy, in addition to that, lost the representative of the Vatican: Pope John Paul II had passed away after 28 years of pontificate. It was on this occasion that the Ferrari F2005, barely more efficient than their formidable predecessors, would display a black nose. It was somewhat in the spirit of the tribute paid in Italy to the victims of September 11, 2001 (Ferraris without sponsors, with a black nose).
Lamentably for Michael Schumacher, in pursuit of Alonso, the red car suffered a hydraulic failure. Rubens Barrichello, in his final season with the team, finished 9th, which at the time was within the points zone.
2006: big first as opening round.
Instead of Melbourne, the essential theater of the first Grand Prix, Bahrain opened the 2006 vintage, which marked the return of V8 engines in Formula 1.
This new generation of engines and cars has offered a lot of fights and a beautiful Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso triumphed again for the second time in a row, defeating a pole-sitting Michael Schumacher.
2008: First pole position for Robert Kubica
It was an understatement to say that the battle for the title in 2008 was going to be incredibly intense. McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari were neck and neck, but they hadn’t counted on BMW gaining momentum!
Thus, Polish driver Robert Kubica lifted his F1.08 to pole position: the first for the team in three years (Heidfeld, Williams-BMW, Nurburgring 2005) and the first of his career as a driver.
He had to wait for Canada to finally reap his success…the only one of his career.
2009: Toyota locks down the front row
The Formula 1 underwent a significant transformation in 2009, with sleeker and very different cars (overall very beautiful). This regulatory overhaul benefited Red Bull and Brawn GP, which took over from Honda and Toyota.
The Japanese manufacturer had all the chances to finally win a race: Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock achieved a historic first row for Toyota in Bahrain! However, the unstoppable future world champion Jenson Button showed his domination and pushed Trulli down to 3rd place, while Glock finished 7th. What a pity!
2010: The Alonso-Ferrari honeymoon
It was THE transfer of the 2009-2010 offseason: after the quest for the Holy Grail with Renault and a brief adventure at McLaren, Fernando Alonso finally made the leap and joined the Scuderia, with the aim of securing his 3rd world title.
Sebastian Vettel, with his monstrous RB6, had secured pole position and dominated the entire race…before the mechanics got involved.
Perhaps Enzo Ferrari, known as Il Commendatore, was watching over Alonso: first race with the Reds and first victory! If that had been a sign from destiny, it was not very kind to the Spaniard afterwards: no titles.
2014: legendary duel at Mercedes.
It’s been almost ten years. Yet, it feels like it was just yesterday! The 2014 season marked a major technological turning point in the history of Formula 1: no more deafening atmospheric engines, replaced by the not-so-loud, poorly sounding, highly complex, and ridiculously expensive V6 Turbo hybrids. And they still endure today.
Mercedes had prepared itself much better than Renault and Ferrari and crushed the competition. So much so that, for the spectacle, it was necessary to rely on the good faith of Mercedes, who allowed Rosberg and Hamilton to freely battle it out.
And God, how beautiful it was! The two men engaged in an epic battle, yet clean: Rosberg attacked Hamilton several times, without ever staying in front. The maneuvers were splendid, the duel magnificent. And it lasted three years like that!
2022: Verstappen-Leclerc: Act One
It was believed that Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, and Charles Leclerc would engage in a battle for 22 races without interruption.
But we can’t have a crazy season every year! However, in Bahrain last year, Red Bull No. 1 and Ferrari No. 16 took up the script already written by Rosberg and Hamilton: dives from nowhere, instant comebacks, and an exchange that lasted for many laps.
Leclerc had the last word that day and legitimized Ferrari’s status as the favorite. But that was at the beginning of the season…
May 2023 bring us beautiful surprises!
