Bahrain Grand Prix: The Editorial Team’s Top/Flop

TOP 3

1. The Halo of the Miraculous Romain Grosjean

Arriving in Formula 1 in 2018, the Halo has sometimes divided opinions but it has definitely proven its usefulness. Indeed, without it, Romain Grosjean’s accident might not have been limited to just a few minor injuries. The strong and emotional message from Jules Bianchi’s mother to Julien Fébreau, read by the journalist on Canal+ during the race, testifies to this: « The Halo, thanks to Jules, saved his life. »

Winner of the Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton also insisted on emphasizing the importance that the Halo represented for the French driver.

2. A Hamilton as imperial as ever!

In the lead for almost the entire weekend, Lewis Hamilton once again demonstrated the full extent of his talent. Once again, the British driver dominated the race from start to finish.

Friday, Hamilton had already set the best times in free practice. He capitalized on his performance on Saturday by taking the pole position, with a new lap record at the Sakhir circuit.

Despite the red flag in the first lap of the Grand Prix, it was a smooth race led by the driver from Brackley.

3. A new podium for Albon

Starting in 4th position, Albon managed to maintain his pace to keep his fourth place and was able to take advantage of Sergio Pérez’s engine failure two laps before the finish. The Mexican could have been part of our Top 3 since he would have clearly deserved his podium, but was unlucky a few laps from the finish.

FLOP 3

1. Bottas, a botched start and a complicated race…

After a failed start with a loss of two positions at the lights out, Valtteri Bottas started from fourth place for the second race start. Quickly suffering a puncture, the Finnish driver was forced to make a pit stop, causing him to lose many positions. Despite attempting a comeback, he only managed to climb to 8th place in the Grand Prix.

2. Ferrari again and always

It’s another disappointing weekend for Ferrari. From practice to the race, Ferrari did not stand out, recording mediocre times, even placing them below the tenth position.

Lacking speed throughout the weekend, in the end Leclerc and Vettel finished 10th and 13th, respectively. Between Leclerc’s late shifts and aborted overtakes, Vettel’s lackluster race, and Ferrari’s loss of race pace again, the prancing horse team is clearly among the Flops.

3. Daniil Kvyat’s maneuver on Lance Stroll

“The torpedo,” as Sebastian Vettel calls him, struck again in Sakhir. Initially involved in Romain Grosjean’s accident, the AlphaTauri driver collided with the Racing Point driver on the inside line of the 8th turn. Result of the action: a flip and a retirement for Stroll. The FIA deemed Daniil Kvyat responsible, handing down a 10-second penalty during his pit stop. This sanction cost him points, resulting in an 11th place finish.