Ferrari’s Bahrain Grand Prix was a rollercoaster of strategic moves and mixed feelings. Let’s dive into the highlights.
- Charles Leclerc was visibly frustrated despite upgrades, as issues lingered with the car’s performance.
- The Ferrari team took a bold strategy shift with medium tires, setting them apart from the competition’s choice of soft tires.
- A mid-race pit stop shuffle threw both Leclerc and Hamilton into an unexpected two-stop race, sparking some choice radio messages.
- A safety car intervention dashed Ferrari’s strategic gamble, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was a mixed bag for Ferrari, starting with Charles Leclerc’s clear frustration. While upgrades were in place, Leclerc felt past issues were unresolved, and his performance echoed that sentiment. Lewis Hamilton, driving his first season with Ferrari, struggled in qualifying, lagging significantly behind his teammate. The red car, while improved in certain areas, still challenged Hamilton, especially in critical turns like T6, T7, T11, and T13.
Ferrari made a strategic decision to start both cars on medium tires, diverging from the majority. This decision had immediate consequences as Leclerc lost ground to competitors on softs during the opening laps. While Leclerc maintained respectable pace, it was clear that those on the soft tires, including Oscar Piastri and George Russell, had the upper hand. As the race unfolded, early pit stops by rivals allowed Leclerc and Hamilton to briefly hold the top two positions, hinting at an ambitious one-stop strategy.
However, Ferrari’s plans took a turn when they called both drivers in for fresh medium tires on lap 18. This unexpected move not only broke the potential one-stop strategy but also placed Leclerc in a challenging position behind Pierre Gasly, while Hamilton found himself battling traffic further back. Both Ferrari drivers displayed impressive race pace on the mediums, nearly matching the leaders, which suggested that a revised approach was in play.
The race took another twist with the appearance of the safety car, which disrupted Ferrari’s revised plans. During this period, all leading drivers, including Ferrari, opted for new tires, but Ferrari chose hards, unlike Russell who gambled on softs. This choice, although safe, was not competitive enough to challenge the frontrunners like Lando Norris, who ultimately outpaced them. It’s a tough what-if scenario as Ferrari’s second stint hinted at stronger possibilities if uninterrupted.
Despite the setbacks, Ferrari showcased progression. The SF-25, though not yet a top contender, demonstrated steps forward, offering a glimpse of hope amid strategic blunders.
Ferrari’s Bahrain strategy was filled with potential but thwarted by unforeseen events, leaving the team with valuable insights going forward.
