Sainz Optimistic After Ferrari’s Tight Battle With McLaren In Bahrain

Sainz Sees Significant Progress at Ferrari

Carlos Sainz Jnr’s move to Ferrari for the 2021 season marked a pivotal moment in his career, and his initial impressions from the Bahrain Grand Prix are overwhelmingly positive. Despite finishing eight seconds behind his highly-rated teammate Charles Leclerc, Sainz found himself rapidly closing the gap on Daniel Ricciardo – the very driver he replaced at McLaren – in the fight for seventh place as the chequered flag fell. This direct comparison provided a tangible benchmark for Ferrari’s newfound competitiveness.

It is encouraging because last year I remember that with that car I passed Charles very easily. So I remember how big was the difference between the McLaren and the Ferrari. And how close I was from overtaking Ricciardo at the end, I think I had much better pace than Daniel there towards the end of the race, we were catching more than half a second a lap. There’s positive signs. There’s encouragement, there’s a big step compared to last year and now it’s a matter of keep finding the details, keep working hard back in Maranello and keep improving. We’ve done certainly a very good step, and now we want to take the next steps.

Sainz’s words resonate with a sense of genuine improvement for the Maranello squad, who endured a challenging 2020 campaign. His recollection of effortlessly passing Leclerc in the previous year’s car underscores the stark performance disparity between McLaren and Ferrari then. Now, with Ferrari demonstrating the capability to not only challenge but actively hunt down a McLaren in race trim, it signals a significant shift. The prospect of consistently gaining over half a second per lap on a direct competitor at the end of a demanding race is a strong indicator of both improved car performance and strategic tyre management. Sainz’s determination to “keep finding the details” and “keep working hard back in Maranello” reflects the meticulous approach required to transform this “big step” into further, consistent gains. This early encouragement is vital for Ferrari as they aim to reclaim their position at the sharp end of the grid, building momentum for the upcoming races and the remainder of what promises to be an intense championship battle.

Social Media Reacts to the Bahrain Grand Prix

The opening race of the 2021 Formula 1 season in Bahrain generated a flurry of activity across social media platforms, with drivers, teams, and fans sharing their immediate thoughts and reactions. Here’s a round-up of notable posts and the stories behind them:

Argh.. got surprised and made contact into T5 with Dan, lost my front wing which damaged the floor and that was it. Disappointed as our pace looked strong all weekend for some good points. Lots of positives to take from this weekend, looking forward to Imola now. pic.twitter.com/YM0ImFi2rn

— PIERRE GASLY 🇫🇷 (@PierreGASLY) March 28, 2021

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly expressed his clear frustration following an unfortunate incident at Turn 5 with Daniel Ricciardo. The contact resulted in a damaged front wing and floor, effectively ending his hopes for a strong points finish despite what he felt was promising pace throughout the weekend. Gasly, known for his fighting spirit, quickly shifted his focus to the upcoming race at Imola, highlighting the resilience required in F1.

|@SchumacherMick: “The fireworks were kind of irritating on the last lap…” #F1 #BahrainGP

— RaceFans Live (@racefanslive) March 28, 2021

Mick Schumacher, making his highly anticipated F1 debut with Haas, offered a light-hearted yet telling comment about the fireworks display during the final lap of the Bahrain GP. His remark about them being “irritating” perhaps indicates the intense focus and concentration required even at the very end of a race, even for a rookie. It gave fans a glimpse into the unwavering concentration of an F1 driver, even amidst the spectacle.

Race 2: Back to GREEN flag racing and the drivers are not shy about going three-wide in T12 🙈🙊

📲 Live Stream: https://t.co/VRCs5y6UTB#AtlantaSpeedTour l #F4US l @roadatlanta pic.twitter.com/8p2G5WExRd

— F4 U.S. Championship (@F4Championship) March 27, 2021

Beyond the pinnacle of Formula 1, the raw excitement of junior single-seater racing was captured by the F4 U.S. Championship, sharing a clip of daring three-wide action at Turn 12 during Race 2 of the Atlanta SpeedTour at Road Atlanta. This tweet reminds us of the thrill and competitive spirit that permeates all levels of motorsport, where young talents are honing their skills and bravery.

|@alo_oficial explains recent reports quoting him saying he is a better driver than @LewisHamilton and @Max33Verstappen.#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/T89dwUUwyI

— RaceFans (@racefansdotnet) March 28, 2021

Fernando Alonso, another returning F1 veteran, addressed previous reports where he was quoted asserting his superiority over current champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Alonso, known for his unwavering self-confidence and competitive fire, used the platform to clarify his remarks. His explanation underscored his belief in his own abilities and experience, a mindset that has defined his illustrious career and fuelled his comeback to the sport with Alpine.

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

F1 News Roundup: Beyond the Track Action

The world of Formula 1 extends far beyond the racing circuits, encompassing personal stories, political debates, financial considerations, and technological innovations. Here’s a selection of compelling motor racing links and insights:

Mick Schumacher: ‘That weight of the name, to me it’s light as a feather’ (The Guardian)

Making his Formula 1 debut, Mick Schumacher carries arguably the most famous surname in motorsport history. The Guardian article delves into how Mick perceives this immense legacy. He emphatically states, “The moment we are in a race weekend when I have the helmet on, there are no friends.” This echoes the ruthless, competitive spirit that defined his father, Michael Schumacher, a seven-time F1 world champion. Despite his boyish looks and measured tone, Mick possesses the same steely resolve and focus, suggesting that while the name brings unparalleled attention, he has the mental fortitude to forge his own path in the sport.

Lewis Hamilton and the battle for Formula One’s place in the Gulf (Middle East Eye)

This Middle East Eye piece explores the broader socio-political context of Formula 1’s presence in the Gulf region, particularly in Bahrain. It revisits historical comments by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who once engaged directly with protesters. Ecclestone’s candid and controversial statement, “What you’re looking for is a revolution, really,” highlights the complex relationship between global sports events and local political climates. He suggested that true change would involve attacking the “crown and capture the country,” reflecting a stark, almost transactional view of political unrest. This historical context provides insight into the ongoing debate surrounding human rights concerns and sporting ethics in host nations, a discussion that figures like Lewis Hamilton have increasingly brought to the forefront.

Doing the sums: the cost of viewing Sky Sports F1 in 2021 (Motorsport Broadcasting)

For dedicated Formula 1 fans, accessing live coverage often comes with a significant price tag. Motorsport Broadcasting examines the financial implications of following F1 via Sky Sports in 2021. In previous seasons, Sky had successfully attracted viewers with an appealing “F1 for £10” offer, which contributed to a notable rise in viewership figures. However, the article points out the unfortunate news for fans hoping for a similar deal this year: no such equivalent offer is currently available. This development has likely disappointed many, forcing them to re-evaluate their subscriptions and potentially impacting viewership numbers as fans weigh the cost against their passion for the sport.

Plug Power and Alpine F1 Team connect for unique collaboration (AutoMobilSport)

In a significant step towards sustainable mobility, a unique collaboration has been forged between Plug Power and the Alpine F1 Team. This partnership is designed to complement a broader joint venture under preparation involving Renault Group and Plug Power. The overarching goal is to explore and implement hydrogen solutions for on-road vehicles, aligning with Renault’s robust commitment to sustainable transportation. For Alpine F1, this collaboration signifies their dedication to incorporating cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technologies not just within the racing environment but also by contributing to advancements that can benefit mainstream automotive applications. It highlights the growing trend of F1 teams leveraging their innovative capabilities to drive wider societal impact.

Waste of budget, Kent urges Formula E to be cancelled! (Gesuri – Indonesian)

The article from Gesuri, an Indonesian news outlet, reports on local political opposition to the Formula E race in Jakarta. Legislator Kent strongly urged for the cancellation of the event, citing concerns over significant budget wastage. His criticism centered on the substantial public funds allocated for preparatory work at Monas, which included tree cutting, dismantling existing structures, and extensive asphalt testing specifically for the Formula E program. Kent’s impassioned plea underscores the sentiment that “people’s money is squandered like that” and urged authorities not to “play around with people’s money like that,” reflecting public discontent over perceived financial mismanagement and misallocation of resources for the high-profile sporting event.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in via the contact form.

Race Analysis: The Pit Stop Battle that Decided Bahrain

The Bahrain Grand Prix delivered a truly nail-biting finish, with Lewis Hamilton masterfully holding off a relentless Max Verstappen in a thrilling strategic and on-track duel that went down to the final lap. While Verstappen’s pace was formidable, the race’s outcome was ultimately shaped by crucial decisions in the pit lane. User Kribana insightfully highlights this pivotal aspect:

This was decided in the pit lane. Red Bull should have known that once Norris pitted, it would open up the others’ pit stop due to the undercut being almost at Singapore levels in terms of power.
Kribana

Kribana’s observation zeroes in on the critical undercut strategy employed by Mercedes and the missed opportunity for Red Bull. The “undercut” refers to the tactic where a driver pits earlier than their rival, utilizing the fresh tires to gain lap time while their opponent continues on worn rubber. In Bahrain, the pit lane effectively offered a significant time advantage, akin to the notoriously powerful undercut at circuits like Singapore. McLaren’s Lando Norris pitting early served as a clear signal, and Mercedes seized the initiative. Red Bull, perhaps reacting slightly too late or misjudging the potency of the undercut on that specific track, found themselves playing catch-up. This strategic miscalculation in the pits ultimately allowed Hamilton to gain track position and build a buffer, forcing Verstappen into a desperate chase that, despite his raw speed and aggressive driving, proved insufficient to overcome the Mercedes’ advantage. It was a stark reminder that in modern F1, championships are often won not just on the track, but also on the pit wall through astute strategic foresight.

Happy Birthday to Fellow F1 Enthusiasts!

A special shout-out and warmest wishes to all our readers celebrating their birthdays today. Happy birthday to Blake, Hatebreeder, Thekingofspa, Fanl, and Wsrgo! We hope you have a fantastic day filled with celebration and all things F1.

If you’d like to receive a birthday shout-out in our future round-ups, don’t hesitate to tell us when yours is via the contact form or by adding to the list here.

On This Day in F1 History: Reutemann Defies Orders

• 40 years ago today, on March 29, 1981, a momentous event unfolded at the Brazilian Grand Prix held at Jacarepagua. Williams driver Carlos Reutemann famously defied direct team orders to win the race ahead of his teammate and reigning world champion, Alan Jones.

This incident remains one of Formula 1’s most controversial team order disputes. Williams had explicitly instructed Reutemann, via the “No. 2” board displayed on the pit wall, to hold his position behind Jones. However, Reutemann, who was in superb form and felt he had the pace to win, ignored the command and pressed on to take the chequered flag. This act of defiance had profound implications, not only straining the relationship between Reutemann and Jones to breaking point but also sparking a wider debate about team loyalty versus individual ambition. While Reutemann eventually finished second in the 1981 drivers’ championship, narrowly missing out on the title, this victory in Brazil, born from a rebellious spirit, remains a vivid chapter in F1’s rich history of internal team battles and the pursuit of glory.