BAHRAIN GP: THE RACE THAT SET THE TONE

A weekend where rookies shined, veterans stumbled, and McLaren set the pace for the season.

I will never complain about a boring race weekend again. And no, I am not talking about Formula 2 (those are always fun to watch). Bahrain felt like the first defining moment of the season. Let me explain: after this fourth race, we already have a decent idea of how the season might go. But before that, I must talk about Formula 2 (I might be pretty much biased)!

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Formula 2: the chaos you can always count on

Bahrain marked the second round of the Formula 2 season, and it never disappoints. Unlike with the first race, this time, I was wide awake and fully invested, especially watching my favorite underdog, Pepe Martí. After enduring a streak of rough luck during the last season (to the point I thought I was jinxing him!), seeing him snatch the Sprint race win was an unfiltered joy.

Meanwhile, the feature race win was taken by Alex Dunne, a rookie who had a stellar performance. All in all, F2 brought the chaos, yellow flags, and overtakes expected - living up to the tradition. Just for that, I would give it a 10/10, it was very entertaining - but the main event stole the show.

McLaren’s momentum: a new era begins?

As the main event, the Formula 1 Grand Prix delivered as expected. Having been on pole for the two out of three previous races, it was expected a McLaren would lead this one, too. And lead they did, with Oscar Piastri snatching the pole with a superb qualifying lap and an even bigger gap to the checkered flag that made it all look so effortless.

While Piastri had a peaceful race, the real story unfolded behind him. Where do I begin?

Lando Norris, despite having a bad qualifying session, put in the work and climbed his way to P3, still securing the lead in the driver's championship. In a way, that gives McLaren a bit of a break, given that now Max has dropped to P3 in the standings and was visibly frustrated with the car’s conditions and, consequently, its performance so far.

George Russell also deserves credit - for the first time this season, he made a meaningful impact during the race, even if his last stint showed some cracks (again, issues car-related and whatnot). But these three are always the ones we talk about, and this weekend there were several individuals worth talking about.

Rising starts and fading lights: the plot twist

We need to have a serious talk about a couple of rookies; Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman.

Something that really impressed me about Antonelli is the way he just sends it. Once again, we were blessed with insane overtakes and no fear. He knows he has the car; he has no fears and a dream. And that seems to work for him. I applaud. And how didn’t Ollie Bearman win Driver of the Day? The teen started last and somehow put that Haas up into the points.

Overtake after overtake.

Quite undetected. So unbothered.

On the flip side, Carlos Sainz left me unimpressed. If I could tell which drivers might show progress, I think I can tell when a driver is going through a rough time. I am not saying Williams was a wrong move because it is crystal clear this season’s car is working for Albon. But how many times can a driver afford to DNF or be completely surpassed by their teammate? Despite his results, he proved to be quite successful when it comes to strategies, but… maybe Williams and James Vowels should remember Sainz’s role is the one of a driver. He needs to bring points.

On track.

In all honesty, I don’t like his driving style and always thought he might not perform at his best under pressure. Unfortunately, Bahrain just solidified this idea.

All in all, I think so far, Bahrain might be the Grand Prix I enjoyed the most. Let it be because I am definitely biased, and I thrive on seeing my team dominate or all the penalties that were given here and there. This Grand Prix finally offered me a snapshot of how the season might unfold. Of course, I am prepared (an even hopeful with some takes) to be proven wrong.

Let me know your predictions and bold takes for this season! <33