LEWIS HAMILTON lucked into winning a thrilling Bahrain Grand Prix as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc suffered a heart-breaking end to the race.
The 21-year-old, who started on pole for the second race of the F1 season, was leading the race 10 laps from the end until he suffered a problem with his engine.
But here’s five questions left unanswered from yesterday’s race:
What caused Charles Leclerc’s engine to fail and lose the race?
Ferrari will fly his car back to their factory today and begin their forensic analysis of his engine. It’s likely that the MGU-H failed – the piece of hardware which powers the electric part of the hybrid system.
It’s worth 160bhp which is the same power as a Vauxhall Insignia.
What is Sebastian Vettel’s problem?
Well, maybe he just isn’t that good. He’s made some awful mistakes in the last 12 months. Crashing out while leading the German GP was bad, yet his error in Bahrain was equally poor.
Blasting the throttle in frustration at being passed by Hamilton is a huge sign of weakness.
Are Renault in trouble?
Yes they are. They have spent fortunes developing this year’s car and recruiting Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull, but so far they don’t have much to show for it. Their double DNF in Barhain should raise alarm bells and for them to up their game.
Is Lando Norris is the real deal?
Yes he is. He was impressive in Melbourne and he backed that up with his first points finish in Bahrain. He was sixth and drove a faultless race however, he has previous on that track. He won there last year. A bigger test will come in China.
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Is this shaping up to be another Mercedes whitewash?
No. The 1,000th GP in Shanghai will lurch back into Ferrari’s advantage – assuming there are no mechanical hiccups. The long straights will suit their car down to the ground.
Charles Leclerc has the chance to make up for his missed opportunity with a win in China.