Bahrain GP: Three key driver battles to look out for in the season opener
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Bahrain GP
The stage is all set for the 2022 season of F1, as we brace for the season opener in Bahrain- The Bahrain GP! The first race of the season comes after the second round of pre-season on the same track, where we witnessed the teams trying out new strategies and designs on the track.
Bahrain GP will be 57 laps long, with each lap of 5.412 km bringing the length of the race to 308.238 km. The circuit’s other configuration, known as the Sakhir GP of 2020, which ran on the outer circuit, is often confused with the Bahrain GP. The most successful driver on the grid has been the seven-time world champion and the Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, who has won the Bahrain GP for a record five times, followed by Sebastian Vettel’s four victories. However, it won’t be coming easy for any driver this season.
After seeing the power show for three days in Bahrain, we can only assume that the top four teams- Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren look the most prepared. And with all the power and pace, will come, their drivers hunting for the championship, first race onwards, with Max Verstappen having to defend his title. Here are three fierce and top battles that we may see in the season opener:
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
The fans and the grid both are certain of the fire that’ll be visible from the moment these two rivals will be racing across each other. Max Verstappen will be up against Lewis, from whom he snatched away the world championship. This race and this season will be an extension of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP and the ever so dramatic 2021 season. However, despite both the teams downplaying their cars, we are certain of the championship battle between the two, which starts here in Bahrain. While these two may be competing for it, they may have a third partner in running for the title, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who might fight this duo for the P1-P2 battle. Hence, an internal and an external battle awaits for both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Carlos Sainz and George Russell
While for many, Carlos Sainz will be competing for the championship, we’re currently leaving that battle for the last season’s rivals. Carlos, although might be competing with Max and Lewis over the season, his main competitor seems to be the Mercedes driver George Russell. George and Carlos will find themselves competing amongst each other, behind Max and Lewis, and probably Sergio Perez as well. But once clear of the other, they’ll put up a strong challenge for the drivers ahead. So far, with Ferrari’s pace and Sainz’s experience, the Spaniard may take the lead over the Briton.
Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris
Having put maximum laps on the track over three days in the absence of his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris just needs one help from the team- resolution of the overheating of brakes, thus providing him the consistency in the pace filled McLaren. While things look smooth for Charles, the driver might find himself tussling with Norris given his extensive practice sessions on the track. And if things go right for other drivers, we may spot another fighter in this battle.
ALSO READ: Formula One 2022: Here’s how the midfield teams stack up ahead of Bahrain GP
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Manan Goel
(400 Articles Published)