F1: Five Talking Points From The Bahrain GP
The Bahrain GP has come and gone and F1 fans have little reason to be disappointed.
Now that the proverbial smoke has settled from F1’s Bahrain GP it’s now time to take a look at some of the talking points from all of the racing action. Here is a look at the five biggest storylines coming out of this weekend’s race.
Haas Does It Again
Haas F1 were brilliant on debut in Australia, Romain Grosjean finishing sixth and subsequently scoring eight points for himself and the team.
Not since Toyota’s own debut in 2002 have a team scored points in their first race, so no doubt post-race celebrations over Grosjean’s achievement would’ve been extensive, and rightly so.
Imagine then the delight the team will be feeling now, Grosjean having gone one better in Bahrain.
A strong case could be put forward stating that Haas were simply ‘lucky’ in Melbourne, the red flag brought on by Fernando Alonso and fellow Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez’s crash propelling Grosjean into the points.
Though this may be true, the same cannot be said about Haas’/Grojean’s performance in Bahrain.
Grosjean fought wheel to wheel with the Red Bulls, and Williams’ Felipe Massa, whilst comfortably beating the Force Indias and Saubers with no help from any red flags or safety cars. Simply put, he defeated them on a level playing field.
Though it’s hard to predict where Haas will be placed on the championship table come November, it’s hard to deny that the US based team have had a stellar opening to their first ever season.
Ferrari’s On Fire
With two spectacular engine failures in as many races, fans of the Scuderia will be a tad nervous going into China.
As we known, Kimi Raikkonen didn’t see the chequered flag in Melbourne due to his engine catching fire in the pits. Though bad, it’s not as bad as Sebastian Vettel’s Bahrain campaign, or lack thereof one.
Vettel’s engine dramatically blew on the formation lap which in turn saw all of Ferrari’s hopes and wants for the GP being hand-balled on to Raikkonen.
Well, he didn’t disappoint, the Iceman and his prancing horse heating up the desert night.
Mercedes were substantially quicker over all sessions, particularly qualifying. Given that this was the case, a Mercedes 1-2 seemed on the cards.
Though Lewis Hamilton’s race was marred by his first corner collision with Valteri Bottas, the current world champion was able to make his way back through the field quickly and into third spot.
Once there, only Raikkonen stood between him and race leader Nico Rosberg. As it turned out, Hamilton couldn’t get past the Finn.
Since the race’s conclusion, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has declared that Hamilton was losing up to a full second a lap due the damage caused by his shunt with Bottas.
Though this is probably true, it doesn’t explain why Raikkonen was able to keep within striking distance of Rosberg for the majority of the race. Mercedes keep reiterating how much a threat Ferrari is, and though many have dismissed these claims, it’s possible that they might actually be right.
Rosberg’s On A Roll
Though it’s true that Hamilton’s first lap collision may have robbed viewers of two Mercedes battling for victory, Rosberg drove a terrific race regardless.
His victory in Bahrain makes it two in a row, and it’s clear the momentum in the Mercedes garage has now firmly swung towards the German’s side.
Any talk of the driver’s championship is far too premature, but it will be interesting to see if Rosberg can maintain the roll his on when Formula One reaches China.
Hamilton will no doubt want to put a stop to Rosberg’s winning streak which technically begun in Mexixo last season!
Amazing Manor!
Well, amazing may not be exactly the right word to use. But when a team which has seen very little success since their inception into Formula One, is suddenly seen battling out with a Force India and a Sauber it’s cause for some celebration.
Manor showed some relatively impressive pace in qualifying, with Pascal Wehrlein qualifying in an inspiring P16.
Wehrlein was able to improve on this position throughout the race, finishing 13th overall.
Though far from breaking any records, Manor’s ability to finish near the points is a testament to a dedicated team’s hard work over a relatively short winter.
Ricciardo’s Red Bull The Best Of The Rest
Red Bull have appeared to solidify their position as the ‘third best’ team.
Daniel Ricciardo drove a superb Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing fourth overall ahead of fifth placed Grosjean.
The former world champions have no doubt improved on their less than inspiring 2015 challenger, the Tag Heuer partnership possibly already showing signs of fruition.
Related Story: F1: Three Things You Should Have Known Coming Into The Weekend
Whether or not we’ll see the Austrian team challenge for a step on the podium this year, as they have claimed will be the case, a competitive Red Bull is an encouraging thought as this will no doubt translate into a more competitive field up front.
What were your favourite moments of the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix? Leave a comment to let us know!