The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Moderators: cmlean, Ed, The Qualiflyer, The Heretic
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The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
This is the place to discuss everything related to the 2nd round of the 2018 season taking place in Bahrain between the 6th and 8th of April.
To submit your 10 'n' Pole Picks for Bahrain click here, to register in the competition click here
Picks for Bahrain close at the start of Saturday practice
The event timetable for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Friday
1st Practice 14:00 local time - 11:00 GMT
2nd Practice 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
Saturday
Practice 15:00 local time - 12:00 GMT
Qualifying 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
Sunday
Race 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
To submit your 10 'n' Pole Picks for Bahrain click here, to register in the competition click here
Picks for Bahrain close at the start of Saturday practice
The event timetable for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Friday
1st Practice 14:00 local time - 11:00 GMT
2nd Practice 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
Saturday
Practice 15:00 local time - 12:00 GMT
Qualifying 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
Sunday
Race 18:00 local time - 15:00 GMT
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
This weekend has the F1 circus returning to Bahrain for round 2 of the 2018 world championship.
Given the right circumstances, this should be a Mercedes benefit. With the ability to turn up the horsepower, Hamilton should be on pole.
Sebastian Vettel could be the cat among the pigeons with his ability to extract the most out of his Ferrari. From what I have read, he is not yet comfortable in this season's car. That said, Kimi seems right at home.
Valtteri Bottas is a bit of an enigma. I want to see him do well but he is sort of like Vettel and doesn't seem at home in the car at this time.
Next should be the battle of the Red Bulls. I still feel the lack of straight line speed will be their undoing.
Surprise performances by the Haas team in Australia and the lack of results should fuel their desire. The cars seem fast at this time of the season closely followed by the McLarens.
Now we venture to the slightly disappointing part of the grid. Force India, Renault, then maybe Williams, Toro Rosso and then Sauber. I would like to see this bunch mixed up but we will see.
These are my meanderings, what say you?
Given the right circumstances, this should be a Mercedes benefit. With the ability to turn up the horsepower, Hamilton should be on pole.
Sebastian Vettel could be the cat among the pigeons with his ability to extract the most out of his Ferrari. From what I have read, he is not yet comfortable in this season's car. That said, Kimi seems right at home.
Valtteri Bottas is a bit of an enigma. I want to see him do well but he is sort of like Vettel and doesn't seem at home in the car at this time.
Next should be the battle of the Red Bulls. I still feel the lack of straight line speed will be their undoing.
Surprise performances by the Haas team in Australia and the lack of results should fuel their desire. The cars seem fast at this time of the season closely followed by the McLarens.
Now we venture to the slightly disappointing part of the grid. Force India, Renault, then maybe Williams, Toro Rosso and then Sauber. I would like to see this bunch mixed up but we will see.
These are my meanderings, what say you?
Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Despite Vettel's win in Australia, this year Hamilton has an easier fight on his hands than last year!
Had Bottas been up there or Vettel running second, Hamilton (or possibly Raikkonen) would have won. Vettel was fortunate and you have to be way too fortunate for the same to happen again.
I think it will be Hamilton Bottas then Ferrari and Red Bull mixed (in Australia Ricciardo was actually quicker than Raikkonen later in the race ...
Haas lost some big points in Australia and as the season progresses they will be caught by the likes of McLaren and Renault due to faster development! but I think they will still be ahead in Bahrain with McLaren close (if we are to believe that they have a huge update in Bahrain)
I feel sorry for the downfall of Williams, this is the second most successful team in F1 history yet now they adopt a pay driver policy not for one but both their drivers ...
Force India... despite what they say, the problems surrounding their owner must have affected their preparations for this season and hence their drop ... the Renault powered cars improved argument is rubbish, they have a Mercedes engine!
Toro Rosso ... they are now the Honda guinea pigs ... enough said
Sauber... 15 years ago they were what Haas is today, good to seem them still running but are becoming the Minardis of F1
Had Bottas been up there or Vettel running second, Hamilton (or possibly Raikkonen) would have won. Vettel was fortunate and you have to be way too fortunate for the same to happen again.
I think it will be Hamilton Bottas then Ferrari and Red Bull mixed (in Australia Ricciardo was actually quicker than Raikkonen later in the race ...
Haas lost some big points in Australia and as the season progresses they will be caught by the likes of McLaren and Renault due to faster development! but I think they will still be ahead in Bahrain with McLaren close (if we are to believe that they have a huge update in Bahrain)
I feel sorry for the downfall of Williams, this is the second most successful team in F1 history yet now they adopt a pay driver policy not for one but both their drivers ...
Force India... despite what they say, the problems surrounding their owner must have affected their preparations for this season and hence their drop ... the Renault powered cars improved argument is rubbish, they have a Mercedes engine!
Toro Rosso ... they are now the Honda guinea pigs ... enough said
Sauber... 15 years ago they were what Haas is today, good to seem them still running but are becoming the Minardis of F1
Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Comparing the popular picks in our 10 'n' Pole competition for Bahrain this year and last .... what a contrast!
Win: Lewis Hamilton 75.61% vs Sebastian Vettel 12.20%
Second: Sebastian Vettel 65.85% vs Lewis Hamilton 14.63% vs Valtteri Bottas 9.76% vs Kimi Raikkonen 7.32%
Pole: Lewis Hamilton 90.24% vs Sebastian Vettel 4.88%
Yet last year it was
Win: Lewis Hamilton 51.21% vs Sebastian Vettel 38.65%
Second: Sebastian Vettel 41.06% vs Lewis Hamilton 38.16% vs Valtteri Bottas 9.18% vs Kimi Raikkonen 5.31%
Pole: Lewis Hamilton 67.15% vs Sebastian Vettel 24.64%
I don't recall a race in the past where the popular pick for Pole was over 90% for a single driver, that is how much the feeling is about Mercedes (and Hamilton specifically).
Win: Lewis Hamilton 75.61% vs Sebastian Vettel 12.20%
Second: Sebastian Vettel 65.85% vs Lewis Hamilton 14.63% vs Valtteri Bottas 9.76% vs Kimi Raikkonen 7.32%
Pole: Lewis Hamilton 90.24% vs Sebastian Vettel 4.88%
Yet last year it was
Win: Lewis Hamilton 51.21% vs Sebastian Vettel 38.65%
Second: Sebastian Vettel 41.06% vs Lewis Hamilton 38.16% vs Valtteri Bottas 9.18% vs Kimi Raikkonen 5.31%
Pole: Lewis Hamilton 67.15% vs Sebastian Vettel 24.64%
I don't recall a race in the past where the popular pick for Pole was over 90% for a single driver, that is how much the feeling is about Mercedes (and Hamilton specifically).
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Things will swing around when we hit Europe in relation to favoritism.
As the teams move closer to home, little updates will bring Ferrari and possibly Red Bull closer to Mercedes.
I am disappointed with Force India after such strong seasons over the last couple of years.
And Williams lack of performance in 2018 may also recover to some extent.
As the teams move closer to home, little updates will bring Ferrari and possibly Red Bull closer to Mercedes.
I am disappointed with Force India after such strong seasons over the last couple of years.
And Williams lack of performance in 2018 may also recover to some extent.
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
FP1 Results
Max Verstappen had an electronics gremlin which caused his session to end after 2 out laps.
Code: Select all
Pos Time Driver Team
1 1:31.060 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing
2 1:31.364 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
3 1:31.458 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
4 1:31.470 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
5 1:32.272 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
6 1:32.516 Romain Grosjean Haas
7 1:32.779 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
8 1:32.885 Carlos Sainz Renault
9 1:32.971 Kevin Magnussen Haas
10 1:33.104 Nico Hulkenberg Renault
11 1:33.223 Fernando Alonso McLaren
12 1:33.278 Charles Leclerc Sauber
13 1:33.364 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren
14 1:33.379 Lance Stroll Williams
15 1:33.467 Sergey Sirotkin Williams
16 1:33.497 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso
17 1:33.508 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
18 1:33.662 Sergio Perez Force India
19 1:33.794 Esteban Ocon Force India
20 No Time Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
FP2 Results
Marcus Ericsson had an off out of turn 2 but returned to the pits to clean up and resume the session.
Code: Select all
Pos Time Driver Team
1 1:29.817 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
2 1:29.828 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
3 1:30.380 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
4 1:30.472 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
5 1:30.745 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
6 1:30.751 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing
7 1:31.220 Nico Hulkenberg Renault
8 1:31.232 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
9 1:31.282 Fernando Alonso McLaren
10 1:31.422 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren
11 1:31.591 Romain Grosjean Haas
12 1:31.601 Carlos Sainz Renault
13 1:31.809 Esteban Ocon Force India
14 1:31.868 Sergio Perez Force India
15 1:31.969 Kevin Magnussen Haas
16 1:32.372 Charles Leclerc Sauber
17 1:32.382 Lance Stroll Williams
18 1:32.474 Sergey Sirotkin Williams
19 1:32.733 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
20 1:32.908 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Practice 2 is in the record books.
This session is held at roughly the same time as qualifying and the race so is more indicative of what should happen in the following days.
Ferrari seems to be really quick and, more importantly, stable throughout their lap.
Mercedes could be hiding their aces but they don't seem to be as stable in their laps. This is highlighted by the off tracks and occasional locked brakes throughout the session by both drivers.
Red Bull have their program back on track following the electrical gremlins in Max's car in session 1.
Toro Rosso, with Pierre Gasly, was the biggest surprise in the session finishing the session in 8th.
This session is held at roughly the same time as qualifying and the race so is more indicative of what should happen in the following days.
Ferrari seems to be really quick and, more importantly, stable throughout their lap.
Mercedes could be hiding their aces but they don't seem to be as stable in their laps. This is highlighted by the off tracks and occasional locked brakes throughout the session by both drivers.
Red Bull have their program back on track following the electrical gremlins in Max's car in session 1.
Toro Rosso, with Pierre Gasly, was the biggest surprise in the session finishing the session in 8th.
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Word through that Hamilton has a 5 place grid penalty for a gearbox change
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
FP3 Results
Code: Select all
Pos Time Driver Team
1 1:29.868 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
2 1:30.393 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
3 1:30.452 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing
4 1:30.691 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
5 1:30.719 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
6 1:30.781 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
7 1:31.144 Nico Hulkenberg Renault
8 1:31.200 Carlos Sainz Renault
9 1:31.438 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
10 1:31.445 Fernando Alonso McLaren
11 1:31.460 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso
12 1:31.513 Romain Grosjean Haas
13 1:31.554 Esteban Ocon Force India
14 1:31.564 Sergio Perez Force India
15 1:31.737 Kevin Magnussen Haas
16 1:31.859 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
17 1:31.860 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren
18 1:32.047 Charles Leclerc Sauber
19 1:32.463 Sergey Sirotkin Williams
20 1:32.865 Lance Stroll Williams
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Qualifying Results
Hamilton takes a 5 grid place penalty into the race and should start in grid position 9
Max Verstappen crashed into the outside barrier of turn 2 in Q1. He was classified in Q1 with the 4th fastest time.
Code: Select all
Pos Qualifying Driver Team
1 1:27.958 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
2 1:28.101 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
3 1:28.124 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
4 1:28.220 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
5 1:28.398 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing
6 1:29.329 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
7 1:29.358 Kevin Magnussen Haas
8 1:29.570 Nico Hulkenberg Renault
9 1:29.874 Esteban Ocon Force India
10 1:29.986 Carlos Sainz Renault
________________________________________________________
11 1:30.105 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso
12 1:30.156 Sergio Perez Force India
13 1:30.212 Fernando Alonso McLaren
14 1:30.525 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren
15 No Time Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
_______________________________________________________
16 1:30.530 Romain Grosjean Haas
17 1:31.063 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
18 1:31.414 Sergey Sirotkin Williams
19 1:31.420 Charles Leclerc Sauber
20 1:31.503 Lance Stroll Williams
Max Verstappen crashed into the outside barrier of turn 2 in Q1. He was classified in Q1 with the 4th fastest time.
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
Results
Perez crossed the finish line in 12th but had 30s added to his race time for passing on the formation lap.
Hartley crossed the finish line in 13th but had 30s added to his race time for failing to retake his original starting position before reaching the safety-car line on the formation lap.
Code: Select all
Pos Driver Team
1 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari
2 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
4 Pierre Gasly Toro Rosso
5 Kevin Magnussen Haas
6 Nico Hulkenberg Renault
7 Fernando Alonso McLaren
8 Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren
9 Marcus Ericsson Sauber
10 Esteban Ocon Force
11 Carlos Sainz Renault
12 Charles Leclerc Sauber
13 Romain Grosjean Haas
14 Lance Stroll Williams
15 Sergey Sirotkin Williams
16 Sergio Perez Force India
17 Brendon Hartley Toro Rosso
DNF Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
DNF Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
DNF Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing
Hartley crossed the finish line in 13th but had 30s added to his race time for failing to retake his original starting position before reaching the safety-car line on the formation lap.
Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
That was a good race from Ferrari and Vettel who managed to last on worn tyres ... they gambled and it worked. Felt sorry for Raikkonen though!
I was suprised by the lack of pace from Hamilton ... yes he started with a penalty but he recovered quickly. His one stop didn't work at all!
I think though that Bahrain suited the Ferrari more than Mercedes unlike in Australia where it was the other way around. I think Mercedes still have an edge and that will show in the next race where they usually do better (Mercedes won in the last 4 years!)
Gasley impressed me most, getting the Toro Rosso Honda ahead of all those including the 2 McLarens was an achievement. I doubt anyone thought Honda can recover this quick ... lets hope they continue to show improvements. On the other hand McLaren were disappointing after a worst qualifying than Australia particularly after stating that they have big upgrades coming!
There was some good overtaking and that is always a good thing
China is just around the corner so we'll see
I was suprised by the lack of pace from Hamilton ... yes he started with a penalty but he recovered quickly. His one stop didn't work at all!
I think though that Bahrain suited the Ferrari more than Mercedes unlike in Australia where it was the other way around. I think Mercedes still have an edge and that will show in the next race where they usually do better (Mercedes won in the last 4 years!)
Gasley impressed me most, getting the Toro Rosso Honda ahead of all those including the 2 McLarens was an achievement. I doubt anyone thought Honda can recover this quick ... lets hope they continue to show improvements. On the other hand McLaren were disappointing after a worst qualifying than Australia particularly after stating that they have big upgrades coming!
There was some good overtaking and that is always a good thing
China is just around the corner so we'll see
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Re: The 2018 Bahrain GP Thead
I really have to agree with Tim.
Vettel drove an excellent race and the strategies of both the Ferrari of Vettel and the Mercedes of Bottas could have resulted in a victory for either. The closing stages were one for the history books.
Hamilton suffered through his 5 place grid penalty and. although his start was spot on, his position on the track left him with nowhere to go once his launch was complete. I think that he realizes the value of amassing points throughout the whole season so he took his safe passes when they were presented to him. The tangle with Verstappen could have ruined his day but Verstappen was the one to endure the pain of a no point event.
Gasly was my Driver of the Day. A cool head on young shoulders in the way he fought back after the pass by Magnussen really set up the rest of his race.
Bring on China.
Vettel drove an excellent race and the strategies of both the Ferrari of Vettel and the Mercedes of Bottas could have resulted in a victory for either. The closing stages were one for the history books.
Hamilton suffered through his 5 place grid penalty and. although his start was spot on, his position on the track left him with nowhere to go once his launch was complete. I think that he realizes the value of amassing points throughout the whole season so he took his safe passes when they were presented to him. The tangle with Verstappen could have ruined his day but Verstappen was the one to endure the pain of a no point event.
Gasly was my Driver of the Day. A cool head on young shoulders in the way he fought back after the pass by Magnussen really set up the rest of his race.
Bring on China.