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Mexico’s Sergio Pérez gave BWT Racing its first victory in Formula 1. Ocon (Renault) came in second, ahead of Stroll (BWT). Mercedes played substitute George Russell’s victory in Bahrain with a tire misstep.
Sakhir. Sergio Pérez won a Formula 1 race for the first time in his career. The 30-year-old Mexican, who is due to leave BWT Racing and does not yet have a contract for next year, relegated Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Renault) to second place at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll was third.
With a single pit breakdown at the Sakhir GP in Bahrain, Mercedes threw away what appeared to be a double win. Shortly before the end of the race, the tires of Hamilton’s main replacement, George Russell, and runner-up Valtteri Bottas were changed, leaving both cars far behind. Bottas finished eighth, Russell only ninth.
It was the penultimate race of the season in Formula 1. The final will take place in Abu Dhabi in a week. Lewis Hamilton is already established as a world champion, as is Mercedes as a constructors’ champion.
Substitute as unlucky
For Pérez, the victory was a special satisfaction. At the end of the year, the veteran will have to leave his driving position for Sebastian Vettel, who this time was twelfth without points in the Ferrari. “I’m speechless guys,” Perez said, his voice choked with tears. “Czech, Czech, Czech,” chanted his mechanics.
The most unfortunate person of the day was Russell, who for a long time seemed like the sure winner. On Wednesday alone, the 22-year-old approved his Williams team for Mercedes, overtook his teammate Valtteri Bottas at the start and led the race for a long time with a brilliant performance. But then it all went wrong with a pit stop during a safety car phase at Mercedes.
Condemn
Because Russell’s representative at Williams, Jack Aitken, lost his front wing, the safety car went out again. Mercedes asked both drivers to change tires for the second time because their lead was so great. But the mechanics got mixed up with the tires, it took them forever to stop Bottas and they even had to call Russell to the garage because the tires were changed.
Suddenly, Pérez led the race ahead of Renault driver Esteban Ocon and his teammate Lance Stroll. Bottas was now fourth, ahead of the angry Russell. “You should have a tire advantage,” the Mercedes command post radioed. Russell replied, “I hope so.”
And indeed: When the runway was clear again, Russell immediately grabbed Bottas, then Stroll and Ocon. But shortly after the disappointment: Punctures, end of all hopes. That cleared the way for Pérez.
