Formula 1 2024: Bahrain Grand Prix

Track Insights:

The Bahrain Grand Prix made its debut on the Formula One calendar in 2004, becoming the first race in the Middle East. The event takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit, known for its impressive modern facilities and challenging layout. Over the years, the race has garnered a reputation for delivering exciting moments and intense battles on the track. From dramatic desert sunsets to thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become a staple in the world of motorsport, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe.

Bahrain Grand Prix Circuit

This track has 15 turns, 3 DRS zones and a lap length of 5.412 km. The drivers are asked to complete 57 laps totaling 308.238 km.

Starting Grid:
Pole: Max Verstappen- Red Bull
P2: Charles Leclerc- Ferrari
P3: George Russell- Mercedes
P4: Carlos Sainz- Ferrari
P5: Sergio Perez- Red Bull
P6: Fernando Alonso- Aston Martin
P7: Lando Norris- Mclaren
P8: Oscar Piastri- Mclaren
P9: Lewis Hamilton- Mercedes
P10: Nico Hulkenberg- HAAS
P11: Yuki Tsunoda- VCRB
P12: Lance Stroll- Aston Martin
P13: Alex Albon- Williams
P14: Daniel Riccardo- VCRB
P15: Kevin Magnussen- HAAS
P16: Valtteri Bottas- Sauber
P17: Zhou Gyuanu- Sauber
P18: Logan Sargeant- Williams
P19: Esteban Ocon- Alpine
P20: Pierre Gasly- Alpine

Race Highlights:
The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix unfolded as a high-octane spectacle where speed, precision, and tactical prowess converged on the scorching tarmac. Watching drivers test their machines to the brink in the unforgiving desert heat enthralled the audience, delivering a rollercoaster of a race marked by fierce rivalries, calculated pit strategies, and heart-stopping maneuvers. Each lap brought fresh excitement, culminating in a finish that left an indelible mark on the motorsport community, destined to be recounted and cherished for generations to follow.

Red Bull and Max Verstappen continued their dominance with a practically perfect outing from both the Dutchman and his counterpart Sergio Perez with a 1-2 finish. The only fending off Verstappen had to do this entire race was on the first turn from Ferrari’s Charles Leclrec. From there, he was untouchable. His two pit stops were made with so much space they looked like practice stops. It also helped that their competitors experienced multiple issues throughout the race. Mercedes, who was on the podium for a good portion of the race thanks to George Russell saw themselves having to settle for 5th and 7th due to overheating in both cars and various other issues (including a broken seat in Hamilton’s). Ferrari, who is seen as Red Bull’s biggest competitor this season saw a pretty successful run for both their drivers. Charles Leclerc who started second on the grid ended up finishing just off the podium in fourth after experiencing consistent lock ups and increased tire degredation. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, who is will be spending this season proving that he deserves a seat somewhere next year raced spectacularly and rounded out the podium spots in third place. Mclaren and Aston Martin’s teams also grabbed double points as all of their drivers finished in the top 10.

While we had no retirements during our season opener, there were a couple notable happenings. First, there were multiple teams expressing issues with pace. Including Aston Martin, Mercedes and Williams- whose drivers were struggling with new dashboards on their steering wheels. Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas- who currently holds the record for the slowest pit stop in F1 history- made a play for that record when he had to sit through a 52 second pit stop due to a wheel nut issue in one of tire guns. Lastly, Visa CashApp Red Bull Racing will have to figure out how to get their drivers working together and on the same page. At the end of the race, it was communicated to Yuki Tsunoda that he would be switching places with teammate Daniel Riccardo as it was a hope that he could fight for higher a higher spot in the last laps. Per the team radio, Riccardo felt that Tsunoda didn’t adhere to the directive early enough and then made a pass at him in the cool down lap that he did not find professional.

This season is going to be very fun to watch. The common understanding is that Red Bull will be the team to beat and it will be fun to see who makes the necessary corrections to possibly give them a run for their money.

Podium:
1st: Red Bull: Max Verstappen (26)
2nd: Red Bull: Sergio Perez (18)
3rd: Ferrari: Carlos Sainz (15)