The 2021 Formula 1 season opener took place during the last weekend of March around the Bahrain international circuit. After a dominating Saturday qualifying session, the flying Dutchman Max Verstappen secured the first pole position of the season, almost 4 tenths ahead of second place Mercedes Hamilton. On race day, Verstappen converted the pole position into a comfortable lead. However, Mercedes’s strategist called Hamilton in for an undercut (when a driver pits to gain from the speed benefit of fresher tires). The strategy paid dividends as Hamilton was able to gain track position, which he was able to hold through the second pitstop phase.
In order to cover Hamilton off, Redbull put Verstappen onto an overcut strategy so his fresher rubber at the end of the race can help the Dutchman close up to the Mercedes driver and potentially take the race lead back. Verstappen did just that as he completed an exquisite overtake in turn four. However, a slight oversteer sent his car over the track limit, and he was forced to give the position back. Verstappen’s pace dropped off after this incident and he was unable to catch the Brit, as the latter claimed the 96th victory in his career.
Behind the leaders, the Finn Valtteri Bottas drove a steady race without challenging the top two nor being challenged for his podium position. Lando Norris drove an exceptional race as he claimed P4 in his McLaren. Sergio Perez finished P5 from a pitlane start after his Redbull experienced an electrical problem during the formation lap, ahead of Leclerc and Ricciardo. Japanese debutant Yuki Tsunoda scored his first F1 points with his AlphaTauri finished in P9, with the Canadian Lance Stroll rounded off the top 10. The returning legend Fernando Alonso retired in his Alpine due to a brake failure, and Mick Schumacher, the son of the great Michael Schumacher, finished last in his Haas. F1 will travel to Emilia Romagna’s Imola circuit in Italy next after a three week break.
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