Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Ferrari dominated the Formula 1 Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix, as the Prancing Horses galloped to a 1-2 finish at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
Charles Leclerc took home the silverware, ending a 45-race win drought for the team and kicking off the new season of motorsport in style.
Racing under
lights at the BIC, this year’s roster of drivers at the season-opening race saw plenty of action including a car fire, busted batteries and close shaves, as fans watched with baited breath to see who would emerge on top.
“The race was tough and I gave it my all,” Leclerc said after the race.
“Whenever I had a bit of margin behind me, I felt in control of the race and was managing the gap well. But after the first stop, things became trickier.”
Max Verstappen of Red Bull challenged the Monegasque driver thrice, but Leclerc bested the Dutchman each time reclaiming his position.
Leclerc’s team mate Carlos Sainz took second place in the race, after the two Red Bull cars suffered battery failures within a lap of each other. After Sainz was Mercedes driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
“Car development will be more significant than in previous years and we have to stay on top of our game,” Leclerc added.
“As for this weekend – we did everything right. Pole, fastest lap, the victory and second place for our team. Forza Ferrari!”
WINNERS IN SAKHIR
2022: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2021: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2020: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2018: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2017: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2016: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2015: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault)
2012: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault)
2010: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2009: Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes)
2008: Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
2007: Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
2006: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2005: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2004: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
