LECLERC IS LE FUTURE SAYS LEWIS
LEWIS HAMILTON has tipped Charles Leclerc to be Formula One’s next superstar.
The 21-year-old was on course to become the sport’s third-youngest winner in Bahrain until slowed when his Ferrari developed engine trouble with 11 laps to go.
That allowed Hamilton to sail past the Monacoborn youngster and go on to claim his 74th career win.
But Britain’s defending champion hailed Leclerc (right), who eventually finished third.
“I’m sure this is a devastating result for Charles as he had done the job to win the race,” he said. “He was quickest in all sessions and truly deserved the win.
“He has a beautiful future ahead of him, so this will only make him stronger. I have been in a position like that where we have been in the lead and the car has stopped, I know how it feels.”
Finland’s Valtteri Bottas also made his way past Leclerc to seal an unlikely Mercedes one-two and ensure he remains ahead of team-mate Hamilton in the standings by one point.
A dramatic grand prix saw Sebastian Vettel spin out of contention in what was a troubling weekend for the German.
He was three-tenths of a second slower than Leclerc in qualifying, and unable to match his inexperienced Ferrari teammate in the race, too.
The four-time world champion took the lead off the start line, but Leclerc fought his way back past him on lap six.
Then, on lap 38, while duelling for second place with Hamilton, Vettel lost control and spun.
He recovered to finish fifth, but left Bahrain under pressure following what was his fourth spin from his last 10 appearances.
“I am happy for the team but it was a very disappointing race,” he said.