53rd lap of 56, Max Verstappen overtakes Lewis Hamilton.
For a few seconds, the Dutchman thinks of winning the Bahrain Grand Prix, and starting the season with a masterful success against the seven-time world champion.
But the Red Bull driver, who overtook the Mercedes outside the limits of the track, is called to give back his place as leader.
Disgusted, number 33 does so, and loses in this five-round fight.
A decision immediately criticized on the radio by Verstappen, since Lewis Hamilton was regularly called to order for having exceeded the limits at this famous turn 4. But the Briton was mainly imposed thanks to a well-felt strategy.
What a battle 🤩
More of that please in 2021 🏆 # BahrainGP 🇧🇠# F1 @LewisHamilton @ Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/5ncTNbDTdD
- Formula 1 (@ F1) March 28, 2021
Long second and left behind on the regular by Verstappen, Hamilton tried a blow by putting on hard tires very early, the most enduring but also the slowest.
With a more than interesting pace, the Mercedes surprised Red Bull to escape, and resist with worn tires at the end of the race.
“By stopping early, we knew it would be difficult,” said Hamilton.
But it had to be done given Max's level.
"" It's a shame, responded Verstappen.
But we also have to draw the positive, we were able to fight against Mercedes, it's good to start the season like that.
"
READ ALSO>
Formula 1: "For me, he's more Mick than Schumacher", what to expect from the German prodigy?
Especially since seeing the two Red Bulls at the finish is quite an achievement.
More powerful than last year, the Honda engine appeared to be much less reliable.
Even before the start of the race, Sergio Perez suffered two big alerts.
First there was an inability to start the engine, which led to a battery change (already the second this weekend for Honda after Pierre Gasly on Friday night).
Then, in the last corner of the formation lap, the Mexican's V6 went out, condemning the Red Bull rookie to start from the pit lane.
Elected driver of the day, Sergio Perez finished fifth for his first race at Red Bull!
Gasly rugged, Alpine disappointing
Author of a superb qualifying session (5th), Pierre Gasly saw all his hopes soar in the 4th round.
After a serious start, the Normand hit Daniel Ricciardo's left rear tire and tore off his front wing.
After leaving more than 30 seconds behind the back of the peloton, the AlphaTauri driver finally retired shortly before the finish.
A frustrating result, since the fine performance of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda (9th), for his first appearance in F1 at 20, proved that the Italian team is keeping a good pace for the rest of the season.
The complete classification at the end of this Bahrain GP👇 pic.twitter.com/JY3rlLtdB5
- DriveThrough (@ DT_F1_) March 28, 2021
Difficult to say the same for the French team, Alpine.
If Laurent Rossi (general manager) was aiming for “the points”, the ex-Renault team experienced worrying difficulties.
However, 9th in qualifying on Saturday, Fernando Alonso failed to cling to McLaren, Aston Martin, or Alfa Romeo, despite remarkable fighting spirit.
The 39-year-old double world champion (2005 and 2006) was then let go by his brakes (on lap 33) and was forced to retire.
Morning essentials newsletter
A tour of the news to start the day
Subscribe to the newsletterAll newsletters
Esteban Ocon meanwhile attempted a comeback from 16th position on the grid.
Long 12th, the native of Evreux was hit by Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) on the 45th lap.
The Frenchman finished 13th.
Among the other lessons: a performance of choice from Lando Norris (4th behind Bottas), the fine result from Ferrari (Leclerc 6th, Sainz 8th), and the repeated difficulties of Nikita Mazepin (Haas), in the wall from the second corner. .. This season promises to be intense!
