MANAMA (BUTERS RO) – The sudden absence of Lewis Hamilton will add another spice to the Sakhir Grand Prix, which marks a new challenge for seven-time world champion Formula One opponents in Bahrain this weekend.
The Mercedes driver, who has not lost a run since his debut with McLaren in 2007, is parting ways after testing positive for the Covid-19.
“I’m so disappointed I won’t be running this week,” said Hamilton, who was about to take the 100 poles of his career to match the record of 13 wins in a season co-hosted by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. .
It won’t be the biggest name under the initial grid floodlights, only Alpha Romeo’s Kimi Rਕikkਨੇnen ran in the pre-Hamilton era, but it opens up opportunities for others.
Britain’s George Russell will stand up for his compatriot Williams, who has won his record seventh title, in one of three changes from last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The race is on the same circuit but on a different and smaller, “external” layout.
The two drivers will start their race – replacing Russell with Britain’s Jack Aitken and Brazil’s Pietro Fittipaldi, who took the seat of Roman Grossian at Haas after a tragic fire accident in France last week.
Hamilton team-mate Voltaire Bots should be looking for his third win of the year in his car, having won 13 of 15 runs this season.
Meanwhile, Russell will be expected to make the first points of his career after nearly two years in the infamous Williams.
“Obviously no one can replace Lewis, but in his absence I will give my all for the team when I get in the car,” said Russell. Russell said.
The Floodlight 3.5km layout is made up of 11 corners and drivers are expected to arrive within a minute – qualifying predictions with 54 to 55-second laps.
Formula One has never been on the map before.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has stopped bots this season, will delight his chances as a favorite for non-Mercedes wins.
Thai team-mate Alexander Alban, on the podium last Sunday, will be another contender, such as Sergio Perez of Mexico at Racing Point, for a podium in Bahrain last Sunday until his engine rings.
Remembering Sunday’s race, and Grossen’s miraculous car running from a burning car that was split in two, the action will hang in the balance.
Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher and announced on Wednesday as the 2021 hassle driver, could head to Formula Two this weekend.
Edited by Ellen Baldwin and Ed Osmond
