Motorsports
Formula 1 Bahrain GP: Leclerc knew this was Ferrari’s chance to return to the top
For the first time since 2008, Scuderia showed they are genuine title contenders with a triumphant 2-1 draw by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainth at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and both drivers spoke openly about it after Shakir’s race ended.
Scuderia had won their last and final one-two at the Singapore GP in 2019 with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, but at no point that year had they proven they had a truly and consistently competitive car to compete with. The last time you had it was in 2008 with Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.
Those dry fifteen years ended today with the 2-1 draw at the Bahrain GP – early 2022 – which confirmed the winter’s reasonable suspicions: that Ferrari was once again becoming the protagonist and contender for the titles.
«I keep thinking about how lucky I am, but the last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team and we knew this would be a great opportunity for us.Said Leclerc at the finish. «The kids have done a great job creating an amazing car to give us the best possible start».
Multi position, win, faster lap, 1-2 in match with Carlos. We couldn’t have asked for better, so thank you for your support over the past two years. “It wasn’t easy but it’s amazing that we’re back at the top,” added Monegasque.
On resuming the race after the safety car that gave Ferstappen another unexpected chance to win, Leclerc concluded: “I didn’t need the safety car then, but then I did a great restart and that made a small difference for me to get through the race to the end.”
For his part, Carlos Saint emphasized: “Congratulations to Charles, congratulations to Ferrari. THE Ferrari returned and returned normally. Hard work pays off and we are here now. I didn’t have the rhythm today that I would like, but I managed to stay up and bring one or two for the team.
And for his duel with Ferstappen, which he overtook three laps before the end and a few seconds before the Dutchman’s departure, the Spaniard added: “I had a huge chance at the restart because everything went well for me. [Ο Φερστάπεν] well defended to be honest. And then all of a sudden I started seeing some lights flashing in the back of his car. And I thought this was my chance and I attacked. He was unlucky. I think he rode well enough today to deserve second place, but then he had to retire. So it is, and it turned out well for her Ferrari».
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
Max Verstappen has said he does not pay much attention to rumors that some teams may have possible technical advantages in their new Formula 1 power units.
It has recently been claimed that Mercedes and Red Bull have found a way to further increase engine power, while other teams are trying to eliminate this possible advantage. The FIA will meet with power unit manufacturers on January 22 to discuss the issue before the season starts.
Rumor has it that such optimization could produce around 15 hp, which is a significant figure at the beginning of a new era in technical regulations.
When asked whether Red Bull had an advantage in the pre-season, Verstappen replied:
“It’s impossible to know. Everyone is trying to do the best they can and I, especially me, have to focus on driving the car. I’m not here to be an engine engineer and explain all the details. Ultimately, this is a matter between the FIA and the engine manufacturers. I drive the car and I believe we always do everything we can to get the best out of the engine.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Red Bull Formula 1 team president Laurent Mekies believes the Bulls will be behind their rivals at the start of the 2026 season, given the production of their engines and new aerodynamic rules.
“We know it will be difficult for us, especially at the beginning of the season. I think we will fall behind our rivals, but we need to hold on for a few more months.”
“I hope we come back to the top, but it would be naive to think that Red Bull will be ahead right away. We will be behind at the start,” said Mekis.
Bulls will produce its engines in collaboration with Ford from 2026.
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
After several significant personnel changes in the team, Max Verstappen has finally learned who he will be working with in the Red Bull pits for the new season.
At the end of last year, it became known that three key members of the four-time world champion’s headquarters had left. According to De Telegraaf, Jeff Ayton replaced Verstappen’s vehicle control engineer Michael Manning, who left the team after the 2025 season. He has previously worked with other Red Bull drivers and worked temporarily with Verstappen in Manning’s absence last year.
Verstappen’s former engine mechanic David Mart has moved to Audi and his replacement at Red Bull has not yet been determined. Performance engineer Tom Hart is also leaving the team; He will join Williams but will continue to work with the Milton Keynes-based team for a while.
Changes also occurred among mechanics. After Matt Culler moved to the position of Audi’s chief mechanic, Verstappen was replaced as his first mechanic by his twin brother John Culler. He is well known to Max, who has previously held a similar position on the other side of the Red Bull pits, working alongside Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
Despite rumors about the winter break, Gianpiero Lambiase will remain Verstappen’s race engineer for another season.
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
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