A promising start for F1’s new era – and Ferrari
Formula 1 couldn’t have asked for much more from the Bahrain season-opener. Its most famous and successful team returned to winning ways, there was a fine battle for the lead, late drama, and the new ground-effect cars seem to be able to run close together.
Most neutrals will be pleased to see Ferrari back on top after two winless seasons. What’s more, the whole operation looked slick. Not only were both cars quick and reliable, but the pitstops were strong and Ferrari didn’t crack under the pressure from a fierce Red Bull attack.
The RB18 looks like it could be the fastest car, but Max Verstappen – who fought Charles Leclerc brilliantly and cleanly – already has some ground to make up in the points race. And then there’s Mercedes…
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