Charles Leclerc wins the inaugural race of the 2022 F1 season.
Ferrari's recent troubles finally look to be behind them as they recorded their first Ferrari one, two since 2019 as Leclerc won the season opener.
Though the final few laps were largely uneventful for Leclerc, that couldn't be said for his earlier laps. The Frenchman was pushed all the way by last years champion, Max Verstappen, as they traded positions at turns one and two for a few laps. Eventually though, Ferrari's pace proved pivotal and Leclerc extended his lead.
And over Leclerc's shoulder, their was also plenty of movement. Despite starting on the grid in 6th, Alfa Romeo driver Bottas found himself drop down to 14th after a slow start. Elsewhere, the Haas of the returning Kevin Magnusson went wheel to wheel with the Mercedes of 7 time drivers champion Lewis Hamilton in the hunt for 5th.
What we learned:
- Ferrari's speed proves too much for the rest of the pack. Quickest in qualifying, fighting back positions, straight line speed and a Ferrari one, two reflects their progress in recent years that have led up to this moment. Can they keep this up and treat us to a season where they rival Red Bull?
- Unpredicted Haas speed. After a shake up to Haas' team, Kevin Magnusson joined the roster and replaced Russian driver Mazepin and after being the basement team of last season, they now showed the pace they have desired for so long. In qualifying, Schumacher made it into Q2 and qualified 12th, and his teammate Magnusson made it to Q3 and qualified 7th. On race day, Schumacher was spun on turn 6 which may have ultimately cost him a place in the points as he finished 11th. Magnusson managed to boost himself into 5th as he repaid Haas for their selection. So, can Haas continue to challenge at the top of the grid?
- Alfa Romero quality shows. The Alfa Romero team left the shadow of their poor previous season behind them with a solid team performance. Bottas qualified above his Mercedes replacement George Russell, but soon found himself behind the Englishman following a poor start. However, the Finn managed to claw back a 6th position finish. Elsewhere, debutant Zhou raced his way to a 10th place finish.
- A slow Mercedes. The Mercedes struggled in qualifying and having qualified 5th and 9th managed a 3rd and 4th place finish as a result of Red Bull's downfall. The Mercedes engines of Williams, Aston Martin and McLaren all struggled and finished in the bottom six. Will Mercedes be able to compete with Red Bull and Ferrari?
- An unreliable Red Bull? A double retirement in Bahrain leaves question marks over whether their sustained speed is putting too much pressure on the new Red Bull engine. Verstappen himself described the issues as 'complicated' and the nightmare in Bahrain already leaves the Red B
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