An enchanting qualifying session — and some post-qualifying grid penalties — set the sphere for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
So what are the foremost storylines to observe on this System 1 Sunday? Let’s dive in.
Can anybody catch Oscar Piastri?
Within the buildup to Saturday’s qualifying session, all the paddock appeared to label McLaren the dominant power on the grid, and Oscar Piastri lived as much as these expectations, taking pole place and placing himself in prime place to safe his second grand prix victory of the season.
Even teammate Lando Norris conceded that Piastri was in all probability going to “lap everybody” on Sunday and that his struggle was for second.
Nonetheless, Mercedes has proven true tempo this week, as George Russell certified second and Kimi Antonelli took fourth. Whereas each drivers had been handed a one-place grid penalty, it could not be stunning to see the Silver Arrows within the struggle. The identical goes for Charles Leclerc, who will begin alongside Piastri.
Nonetheless, this does really feel like everybody shall be chasing Piastri on Sunday, who may be too fast to catch.
Alpine’s factors breakthrough?
Alpine entered the Bahrain Grand Prix as the one group but to attain, however have an incredible alternative to open their account on Sunday. Pierre Gasly certified fifth however was promoted to fourth when Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was assessed a one-place grid penalty for failing to observe the race director’s directions.
As for Jack Doohan, the rookie turned in his finest qualifying efficiency of the season, charging into Q3 whereas operating close to the highest of the timing sheets in each Q1 and early on in Q2. Whereas he finally missed out on Q3 by simply 0.017 seconds, he’s set to begin in P11, and given his familiarity with the circuit in Bahrain, he might cost into the factors if issues break his manner.
The group regarded robust at this circuit throughout pre-season testing, and that appears to proceed on Sunday.
Which dejected driver rebounds on Sunday?
Within the aftermath of qualifying two completely different drivers had been coping with some critical introspection. On the one hand, you had Lewis Hamilton, apologizing to his group for what he described as his “poor efficiency.” On the opposite, you had Lando Norris, who pointed the determine at himself — actually and figuratively — after qualifying sixth.
Each drivers might have been annoyed when their heads hit the pillow on Saturday evening in Bahrain, however each drivers have the prospect to maneuver ahead on Sunday. Bahrain gives extra alternatives for overtaking, and given the efficiency of their teammates, as each Piastri and Leclerc will begin on the entrance row, the tempo is there.
Can one or each of those drivers have a powerful Sunday after a tricky Saturday?
Yuki Tsunoda’s first Purple Bull factors?
After advancing to Q3 for the primary time in his Purple Bull profession, Yuki Tsunoda will begin the Bahrain Grand Prix in tenth, giving him a strong likelihood at his first factors with the senior group.
“I’ve ticked the field of reaching Q3 and that is step one for me. I believe it was good execution, I had the purple flag in Q1 with no time set after which I solely had one set to make it by way of to Q3,” mentioned Tsunoda after qualifying. I’m fairly comfortable, though P10 is just not at all times the place as a driver that you simply wish to be.
Tsunoda vowed to do his “finest” on Sunday.
I didn’t get an excellent future in apply however I’ve some confidence for tomorrow to maneuver ahead. No less than Max and I are beginning semi-close to one another in place so we might be able to do one thing completely different with the technique,” mentioned Tsunoda. “I’ll attempt to end as near him as attainable. I wish to rating factors and do a number of overtaking, that’s my ardour! I’ll do my finest.”
Carlos Sainz Jr. in line for his finest day in blue?
Carlos Sainz Jr. secured his first level for Williams on the Chinese language Grand Prix, when he was promoted to P10 after disqualifications had been handed out to a trio of drivers: Leclerc, Hamilton, and Gasly.
He’s in line for larger issues on Sunday.
Sainz superior to Q3 for simply the second time this season, and certified forward of teammate Alex Albon for the primary time this 12 months. Sainz will begin eighth, in place for his first end contained in the factors on benefit this season.
“It looks as if we made a step in the proper course, however we have to maintain our heads down and keep on attempting various things,” mentioned Sainz after qualifying. “I really feel I nonetheless have margin for enchancment, and I wish to be larger than P8! Having mentioned that, I’m proud of at present and I positively felt extra in management, realizing the place to push, the place there’s potential lap time, and staying disciplined with my driving.
“I’m assured in what we’re doing, the pace is there, and I’ve an excellent group round me, so I simply want to stay to my plan and proceed taking the proper steps, beginning with the race tomorrow and attempting to attain some factors!”
