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The 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix yielded yet another impressive result for ‘Sir’ Lewis Hamilton- the most successful in the sport (on level with Michael Schumacher). But that wasn’t before Sakhir unfurled a dramatic and nearly fatal race for Haas’ Romain Grosjean, who fortunately escaped what might have been a run-in with the worst, seconds from the five rights going green. But the recently-held 57-lap contest was, in comparison to the previous year’s event, fiery like nothing the event first hosted in 2004 had seen.
So what were the key talking points from the Bahrain GP of 2020
HELLO TO HALO CRITICS!
Among the biggest talking points from the Bahrain Grand Prix was the very fact that Frenchman Romain Grosjean- eighteenth on the Driver Standings with two points- escaped walking on both legs, which is after suffering a terrible crash that left his Haas split in half and actually enveloped in a fireball.
Anyone thinking whilst watching shocking live proceedings couldn’t have been blamed for thinking, “Oh, not again!” We all know the pain Niki Lauda- the man responsible for the greatest comeback not just of FORMULA 1 but in all these decades of sporting history- has left behind.
Right after the mad circus on a very dramatic opening lap at Sakhir exited out of Turn 3, Grosjean went wide and crashed into the side of the track.
That he escaped with second degree burns to his hands was probably lucky not just horribly painful. But in all of this painful episode, we were reminded of just how important the Halo is to the modern driver. Hence, all hail the FIA and those who’ve worked hard to get this widely-debated subject in place.
DANIEL ON TOP OF THINGS FOR RENAULT
One of the key talking points for the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix was yet another reminder of the Honeybadger’s sheer consistency.
A strong P7 earned the noted Australian driver more than six points and, in fact, much-deserved appreciation for collecting the most points for his French constructor Renault.
But that said, it wasn’t that the Perth-born’s race was all easy. He did, qualify sixth on the grid, but had fallen well out of the top ten by the mid-stages.
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That in the end, the man with one of the sport’s most beautiful smiles recovered well enough to out-score his teammate meant it was job well done.
Moreover, a respectable finish at Sakhir this time around meant great relief for Daniel Ricciardo, who had managed only a depressing nineteenth the previous year at the very venue.
All of that told, the very fact that Ricciardo is fourth on the standings with 102 points and in even ahead of Perez’ Racing Points says a thing or two about one of the most outstanding men on the grid- does it not?
ALBON SHINES
2020 has been that season that’s birthed a few polarising subjects and no, by that one doesn’t mean the subject of Lando Norris “funny” social media updates, Alfa Romeo’s decision to retain Kimi for another year or for that matter, the spectacular and highly unexpected tyre-delamination suffered by the two Mercedes’ in the sport’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
This has been, in stark polarisation to those who feel F1 is equivalent to Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ great wins alone (with all due respect), the year of the underdog, rather the one often subjected to harsh criticism, you’d think.
One among them is Alexander Albon, one of the sport’s brightest drivers, one who only recently picked his maiden podium at FORMULA 1’s maiden Tuscan GP (September 13, 2020).
But at Sakhir, a destination that does put pressure on the tyres and thus, dictates the proceedings, Alex Albon was in fine touch.
As he collected a fighting third in the end, but not before fighting his way through the chaos that was the race’s second nature, the Red Bull driver did make a strong case for his 2021 seat.
Funnily though, with only two races to go, the Christian Horner-led outfit is yet to decide the future of the very team that has clearly a two-fold direction:
1) Make most of what’s left of the association with Honda, that’s due to end at the conclusion of 2021.
2) Relieve any last minute anxieties that definitely crop up owing to uncertain team dynamics- Perez vs Albon.
McLaren SHINE ON DRAMATIC DAY
Among the most impressive talking points of a dangerous 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix was the outcome of the two McLarens.
As Norris and Sainz gathered a fine fourth and fifth, respectively, the team earned a fine stack of twenty two points, thus, jumping to third on the list of 2020 Constructor charts.
But was that any easy for say someone like Sainz- the man responsible for one of the finest drives all season, courtesy his fighting second at Monza?
Probably not!
Go no further than recollecting the troubles the rising Spaniard endured as he could go no better than a lowly and even morale-crushing fifteenth on the all-important Saturdays.
HEARTBREAK FOR RACING POINT COURTESY DOUBLE-DNF
The Sakhir result was a rather forgettable one, it can’t be put any other way, for the two Racing Points. In enduring a double-DNF, the Mercedes-powered side slid downwards and are, at present, fourth on the Constructor charts with 154 points.
The clear seventeen point deficit to McLaren (in third), their closest rivals, and not to mention Renault (on fifth with 144 points) only makes life difficult for the Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez-powered side.
But heartbreaks are often FORMULA 1’s second nature- are they not? Think Romain! Think for a second how might a 34-year-old in the sport’s prestigious level may be feeling knowing well he may not return to contest for the remainder of the season which not only means only two races but could well signal the end of the line for the smiling and often misunderstood driver.
