The Formula One season kicked off with a bang in Bahrain and set the tone for what should be a thrilling down-to-the-wire season. This kind of action is set to make F1 vedonlyönti interesting, as the entertainment value peaks above what we have seen in recent years. Max Verstappen looks ready to push Hamilton, with Red Bull doing all they can to give their man a car worthy of his skill. The RB16B already looks to be the fastest car for this season, especially when in high-speed sectors, something Mercedes has also confirmed in reports of their tests of the Imola-powered màchine. Verstappen and Red Bull secured pole position in the first race of the season, setting the fastest times and even going on to continue the trend in the actual race. However, strategy and aggressiveness were the undoings of the young Belgian-Dutch driver. On Lap 53 of the race, after surrendering his lead to Hamilton, Verstappen tried a pass on Turn 4 but ran his monocoque too wide after initially going ahead. He would be forced to give up his hard-fought position and Hamilton would not let go again until the checkered flag. Despite the faux-pas, Verstappen closed the gap to just 0.7 seconds by the time Hamilton was crossing the line, an impressive confidence-boosting display that will undoubtedly send a clear message to Hamilton and Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, has been relatively quiet since the start of the season. The heated exchanges that used to be familiar with Vettel are no more. Looking more serene and composed, Hamilton waited for his chance and seized it with both hands when it presented itself. Qualifying second, less that a second behind Verstappen was heartbreaking, and seeing the Red Bull man take command of the race must have been even harder, but the champion find a way, and find it he did. No longer the rising star, now an established champions and head of the pack, Hamilton knows that every race will be a battle to keep his title.
The next stop for the circuit is Italy, for the Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari did some cleaning before the start of the season, as former world champion, Sebastien Vettel, moved to Aston Martin, with Carlos Sainz replacing him. Leclerc is clearly the head man for the team, but Sainz had some success last year in Italy, placing second behind Pierre Gasly. The Ferraris could only do no better than sixth and eighth place in Bahrain, but do not count them out. Last year’s winner, Pierre Gasly, did not have the best weekend in the curtain-raiser but might be boosted by his win from last year.
Red Bull is pushing for contention this season and will not back down from the challenge of taking on Mercedes. It should make for some mouthwatering action throughout the season, with Italy expected to be every bit as entertaining as Bahrain. Another Hamilton and Verstappen showdown may be on the cards, but do not count out the rest of the field.
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