Autosport Magazine

10 April 2014

Got your breath back yet? Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix was a modern classic, a stunning riposte for F1’s hybrid/turbo-driven era after all the criticism of recent weeks. Taxi-cab driving or a Sunday economy drive it most certainly was not. Thanks to Mercedes’ decision not to impose team orders (beyond ‘bring them home’) we were treated to a huge battle for victory between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Pass and repass, alternative tyre strategies and an unseen battle to manage energy-store replenishment – this was a classic duel even before the late-race safety car added spice. Only once did Rosberg complain of Hamilton’s driving tactics, and when Nico did make it stick at Turn 1, Lewis grabbed the lead back 25s later at Turn 5. But it was Hamilton’s stubborn defence at Turn 4 – “You can’t come around me on the outside, that’s a no-go” – was pure, on-the-limit racing. Fabulous stuff. But it wasn’t just the battle for the lead, there were scraps for position everywhere. Force India’s Sergio Perez and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo starred; Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari struggled. This new broom’s sweep has been colossal. More please! Charles Bradley, Editor