Ferrari ended their long winless run with a 1-2 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday with Lewis Hamilton in third.
Ferrari ended a 45-race winless streak on Sunday to start the new era with a flourish. The Italian manufacturer managed a one-two finish in Bahrain that sent the sport’s oldest and most glamorous team back to the top.
Charles Leclerc grabbed victory after taking pole position and fending off pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. And towards the end of the race, Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz was able to get past Verstappen, who had reliability issues and failed to cross the chequered flag.
Lewis Hamilton managed to get on the last step of the podium after Sergio Perez’s Red Bull also had engine issues and spun around on the last lap.
Leclerc’s win at the opening race of the season will also be a source of optimism for Ferrari. If the team is to win its first driver’ championship since 2007, it will need either Leclerc or Sainz to be a match for Verstappen over 23 races, which will be no mean feat.
However, the Scuderia were able to enjoy their first win after a long time and it certainly was worth the wait as the began the new era in dominant style.
Ferrari boss Mattia Binnoto also joined Leclerc and Sainz on the podium for the celebrations. However, fans on social media were surprised to see Binnoto on stage joining in with the commemoration.
Fans react to Mattia Binnoto celebrating with Leclerc and Sainz
More F1 News
- Lewis Hamilton doesn’t support IOC’s decision on Black Lives Matter gear during Olympics
- Max Verstappen left surprised as he reaches 100 race milestone with Red Bull
- Damon Hill left in awe after Lewis Hamilton racks up 100 poles in F1 ahead of 2021 Spanish GP
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates