[ad_1]
The unexpected absence of Lewis Hamilton will add an additional touch to a Sakhir Grand Prix that represents a new challenge for the Formula One (F1) rivals seven-time world champion in Bahrain this weekend.
The Mercedes driver, who has not missed a race since his debut with McLaren in 2007, isolates himself after testing positive for Covid-19.
“I am devastated that I am not racing this weekend,” said Hamilton, who had been on track to grab 100 career poles and equal the record of 13 wins in a season held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
The starting grid won’t have its biggest name in the spotlight, and only Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen raced in the pre-Hamilton era, but that opens up opportunities for others.
Britain’s George Russell will move up from Williams to replace his compatriot, who has clinched his record-matching seventh title, in one of three changes since last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The race is on the same circuit but on a different and shorter “outside” track.
Two drivers will debut in the race: Britain’s Jack Aitken in Russell’s place and Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi, who takes Romain Grosjean’s seat at Haas after the Frenchman’s fierce accident last weekend.
Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas should be the favorite for his third victory of the year in a car that has won 13 of the 15 races of the season.
Meanwhile, Russell is expected to score his first career points after nearly two years in an uncompetitive Williams.
“Obviously no one can replace Lewis, but I will give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I get in the car,” Russell said.
The 3.5km illuminated track is made up of 11 corners and the drivers are expected to return in less than a minute, with laps of 54-55 seconds scheduled for qualifying.
F1 has never raced on the track before.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has led Bottas very closely this season, will have a chance to be the favorite for a non-Mercedes victory.
His Thai teammate Alexander Albon, who took the podium last Sunday, will be another contender just like Racing Point’s Mexican Sergio Perez, en route to the podium in Bahrain last Sunday until his engine blew up.
The memory of Sunday’s race and Grosjean’s miraculous escape from a burning car that had split in two will linger on the road.
Germany’s Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and announced Wednesday as Haas driver for 2021, can seal the Formula Two title in this weekend’s final.
[ad_2]
