Finding a particular reason behind the double that Ferrari achieved in the Bahrain Grand Prix is not possible. This is because today in Sakhir everything has worked perfectly, proposing a mosaic with perfect joints without more precious pieces than others.
Not only Charles Leclerc, not only Carlos Sainz and not only the F1-75, which came out of Sakhir with the scepter of queen car in the starting blocks of 2022. The red scenario also proposed perfect pit stops, correct strategies, management of optimal tires and a concentration that is marked in moments of tension, not a few in Sakhir’s 57 laps.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz embrace after the brace in Bahrain
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
The first obstacle to overcome in order to aim for success in the Bahrain Grand Prix was to transform the pole position conquered by Leclerc yesterday into the leadership at the first corner. Without this metamorphosis the road would have been uphill, but Charles was flawless, with a great shot that allowed him to cover Verstappen before the braking of turn 1.
With the Monegasque acting as a hare and Max forced to chase, the F1-75 emerged, which at the sound of two tenths per lap allowed Leclerc to build a crucial margin to defend himself from the undercut attempt that arrived on time from the pit wall of the Red Bull. After its first pit stop, the # 16 Ferrari returned to the track in command, but with Verstappen (on warm and new tires) in the exhaust.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18, fights with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Here Leclerc took the chair. After two seasons of forced hibernation, Charles has returned to breathe that air he tasted at times in 2019, confirming not only that he is always him, but proposing himself in an even better version than the terrible rookie of three years ago.
The way Leclerc handled Verstappen’s forcing was exemplary. Aware of the impossibility of defending himself from Red Bull when Max was able to count on the DRS, Charles spared the hybrid on the main straight by using it to counterattack between turns 3 and 4. In addition, Leclerc advanced the braking point to pass in front of the Red Bull in the ‘detection point’ of the DRS at the braking point of turn 1, securing the moving wing open after turn 3. Three times Verstappen overtook the Ferrari, and three times Leclerc responded, but in this lapse of time Charles he brought the tires up to temperature, then managed to take off.
Carlos Sainz Jr, Ferrari, 2nd position, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 1st position, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, 3rd position, on the Sakhir podium
Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images
On paper, the final safety car could have offered Verstappen a last chance, turning instead into an assist for Sainz, who completed the red party with a brace that even exceeds the Scuderia’s already rosy expectations.
When the two cars passed under the checkered flag it was a mix of emotions for the men in red, starting with the two drivers (with Leclerc obviously happier than Sainz) up to the whole team.
Joy, redemption, satisfaction, many sensations emerged within a working group that experienced very hard days, especially in 2020. And for those who went through difficult times, seeing Leclerc and Sainz on the podium (accompanied by Mattia Binotto) was a very, very special moment.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, celebrates the victory with his team
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
The confidence of the eve is now black and white, 44 points in the Constructors’ classification certifying a dream start. On the night of Sakhir the slaps on the back (even by some opponents) lasted until late, but as per tradition Formula 1 goes fast, very fast, and so a few hours after the podium there were already those who were wondering about the objectives that this Ferrari will be able to achieve.
It is early, very early to launch into projections on what will be, ahead of us is the longest season in the history of Formula 1 and a technical cycle that has just begun. The impression is that the Scuderia has (and will have) everything to gamble, but for one evening it is better to focus on the present, and celebrating is a beautiful story of redemption, not at all obvious, which has brought Ferrari back to where it needs to be.
Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari F1-75
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
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