Track Torque: By George, that was some race
Young George (only 22 years old) had given us a magnificent demonstration of his ability in practice, qualifying and the race.
The Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain last Sunday was I think, the best and most exciting of the year so far.
It was a case of joy for some and sadness for others and the results were turned on their head in the last quarter of the race.
The start of the race was a demolition derby with Max Verstappen immediately taken out of contention when Charles Leclerc left no space on the track for the Flying Dutchman.
Sergio Perez was caught up in the melee and had to go straight into the pits for a damaged nose.
As he drove off in last place, we had no idea that he was going to be a very popular winner.
Most of the race was led by the young miracle man from King’s Lynn, George Russell who had taken over Lewis Hamilton’s car following diagnosis that this year’s world champion had the coronavirus.
Young George (only 22 years old) had given us a magnificent demonstration of his ability in practice, qualifying and the race.
He led team mate Valtteri Bottas from his second position on the grid for more than three quarters of the race, but succumbed to a mix up with tyres in the pits and then a slow puncture.
Bottas, who also suffered from the mix up, finished in eighth place with Russell just behind him in ninth place.
Lando Norris brought up the last point scoring place in his McLaren Renault.
Back to the front we go to compliment Sergio Perez for another excellent drive in his Racing Point Mercedes, which he had coaxed from last position to first at the chequered flag.
It was a very popular win for a driver who does not deserve losing his place to Sebastian Vettel next year.
There were no Ferraris in the top 10 despite Leclerc showing much more potential in qualifying.
We saw a wonderful scrap for positions between Esteban Ocon (Renault) in second, Lance Stroll third, (Racing Point), Carlos Sainz in his very fast Renault, fourth, Daniel Ricciardo fifth, in the other Renault, Alexander Albon sixth, (Red Bull Honda) and Danill Kyvat who was a very quick Russian in his Alphatauri Honda, seventh.
The ultimate race (Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) takes place this weekend at the fabulous Yas Marina circuit.
Change seem to be in the air, so who knows what the next result will be.
I think it is doubtful that Lewis Hamilton can make it back so quickly, so let’s hope that the youthful Georgie boy can give us another display of great driving.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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