Max ‘always knew’ Ferrari would be in hunt for pole
Despite having looked like he had the fastest car in practice, Max Verstappen said he was well aware of the pace Ferrari would bring to qualifying in Bahrain.
Abu Dhabi Sport News
‘I wasn’t expecting an apology’ - Lewis Hamilton reacts to FIA report over 'human error' in Abu Dhabi
Lewis Hamilton appreciated the admission of ‘human error’ over the 2021 Formula 1 season finale but said he was focusing on the new season. The FIA released their findings just before qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and with Hamilton finishing in fifth he was understandably keen to work on the current setup rather than look backwards. Ad/> He said: «I haven't seen it.
FIA report into F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix released
Motorsport's world governing body says «human error» caused the controversial ending to the 2021 Formula 1 season, denying Lewis Hamilton a record eighth world championship.
Charles Leclerc opens new F1 era with pole for resurgent Ferrari
MANAMA: Charles Leclerc heralded a return to form for Ferrari at the start of Formula One’s new era by handing the Italian glamor team their first pole position in over two years on Saturday at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Monegasque lit up the timing screens with a lap of one minute 30.558 seconds to beat world champion Max Verstappen by 0.123 seconds. Spaniard Carlos Sainz missed out on handing Ferrari their first front-row lockout since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix by 0.006 seconds and had to settle for third. That was also the last time a Ferrari started a race from the front. “It feels good. The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team and we knew this year’s rules would be an opportunity for us,” said Leclerc after taking his 10th career pole and second in Bahrain. “I am very happy today in a tricky qualifying session; I wasn’t happy with my driving,” he added. Ferrari have not won a race since the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix but have been hyped by rivals as early favorites in Formula One’s new era, featuring cars designed to radically new rules aimed at improving the racing spectacle. Verstappen, who clinched his first title at last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, had gone fastest in the final practice session earlier on Saturday. He could not hit the sweet spot with the balance when it mattered, however, but is confident he has a strong car for Sunday’s race. “It was a bit of hit and miss, Q2 seemed quite good, Q3 was a struggle with the balance and to get it together,” said the Dutchman. “But we have a good race car and it is a good start for tomorrow.”
Lewis Hamilton ‘proud’ of Mercedes efforts at Bahrain qualifying despite ‘nightmare’ new car
Lewis Hamilton appeared less downbeat having secured fifth place on the grid for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Earlier in the week the Mercedes driver had said the German team were facing, ‘much, much bigger problems,’ with the performance of their car than in recent years, and the former world champion and teammate George Russell had appeared well off the pace in testing and then Free Practice in recent days.
'Very happy' Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc warns 'anything can happen' despite claiming Bahrain pole
Charles Leclerc was ‘very happy’ with his pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix but warned that ‘anything can happen’ in Sunday’s race. Ferrari appear to have seized the opportunity with the car overhaul with changing regulations from the 2021 season, drawing praise from their likely peers this campaign, Red Bull and Mercedes. Ad/> It was the Monegasque who recorded the best time in Q3 on Saturday in the Middle East, and he will be joined by second-placed Max Verstappen, the current world champion.
Leclerc takes stunning Bahrain pole
MANAMA : Charles Leclerc heralded a return to form for Italian team Ferrari by seizing a stunning pole position on Saturday for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton writes off Bahrain chances after disappointing practice showing
Lewis Hamilton said he will not be able to win Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix after he finished a distant ninth in practice.