BAHRAIN. Manama: Charles Leclerc wins the Bahrain Grand Prix, the inaugural race of 2022, beating teammate Carlos Sainz while Mercedes’s Sir Lewis Hamilton snatched the third position in a dramatic race after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and his teammate Sergio Pérez retired with engine problems. This was Leclerc’s first win since 2019.
George Russell who started ninth ended fourth for Mercedes and newly inducted Kevin Magnussen achieved the fifth position for Haas. After an average start Alfa Romeo driver, Valtteri Bottas finished at P6 while Esteban Ocon took the seventh position.
AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda brilliantly drove and finished eight while Fernando Alonso took the ninth position. Zhou Guanyu participating for the first time, took points for Alfa Romeo while Mick Schumacher achieved his career-best P11.
Speaking to Martin Brundle on Sky Sports F1, Charles Leclerc said, “I’m so happy,”. “The last two years have been extremely difficult for the team.” He further added, “It is incredible to be back at the top.”
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz said, “We had a one-two and it’s where the team should be. The hard work is paying off and we are there.” He further adds that “Ferrari is back and it’s properly back,”.
Mercedes driver George Russell spoke to Sky Sports F1 and said, “We made a good start, but we know our limitations. It was a difficult weekend with a great result, but we know we have a lot of work to do.”
Toto Wolf, “We were overwinged and had too much drag, mainly because we were lacking parts,” Wolff
“A brutal finish to that race for us,” Horner told Sky Sports F1. “What looked like a decent haul of points suddenly evaporated in the last couple of laps.”
Bahrain GP Race Result: Top 5
1) Charles Leclerc of team Ferrari, Time took: 1:37:33.584, Points: 26
2) Carlos Sainz of team, Ferrari, Time taken: +5.598, Points: 18
3) Lewis Hamilton of team, Mercedes, Time taken: 9.67, Points: 15
4) George Russell of team, Mercedes, Time taken: +11.211, Points: 12
5) Kevin Magnussen of team, Haas, Time taken: +14.754, Points: 10
Team Points After Race; Top 3
1. FERRARI, Points scored: 44
2. MERCEDES, Points scored: 27
3. HAAS FERRARI, Points scored: 10
The New Rules in F1 Racing
The new rules for F1 were initially planned for 2021 but got delayed due to the pandemic. The rule changes bring in a new generation of cars with a drastic aerodynamics overhaul.
Important changes observed
- A ground-effect floor for the 2022 car ensures more of the downforce is generated from under the car.
- A simplified front wing and a sharp new rear wing that stops sending airflow outwards.
- The 18-inch tyres with wheel winglets help direct air away from the rear wing.
Bahrain International Circuit and Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is Formula One’s most ultramodern motorsport facility located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. The 5.4km track designed by Hermann Tilke, an internationally acclaimed designer features five FIA certified track layouts thus making it the first-ever track in the Middle East to host the inaugural race of the new season raising the profile of the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally.
Coming next in the Formula One season for 2022 is the ‘Saudi Arabian Grand Prix’ which is scheduled from March 25 to 27 at Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
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