The Ferrari – at least in Leclerc’s hands – was the quickest car in Bahrain. It’s been clear for a long time that Leclerc is a potential world champion if only he could get his hands on the right car. Red Bull had been favourites coming into the race, but in the end Verstappen could not deliver on that status. And then there was the mysterious problem that ended the races of both him and team-mate Sergio Perez. The car is something like 0.8 seconds a lap off the pace or possibly a little more in the race. “It is going to be such a hard battle,” Hamilton said.

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