Mercedes
Hamilton equalled his best-ever season by recording his eleventh win of the 12 months – and in fact it by no means regarded unsure. He led off the road twice and was unchallenged in an imperious display, with that all-time file of 13 wins in a season coming nearer to being equalled by the reigning world champion. As for Bottas, it simply wasn’t his day. A sluggish puncture early on was a thriller, however he appeared to battle for tempo from there on in, and though he made it again to the factors after dropping to final, he couldn’t come near matching his workforce mate right this moment.
Lewis Hamilton, 1st
“Immediately is a reminder for all of us that it is a harmful sport. It was stunning to see Romain’s accident and I am simply so grateful that the halo did its job and credit score to the FIA medical workforce who have been straight on the scene. For Romain to have the ability to stroll away from an accident like that simply exhibits what an unbelievable job F1 and the FIA have achieved of their quest for security. Bodily it was such a demanding race. Max pushed me all the best way and he had a variety of velocity right this moment. I used to be struggling somewhat bit with the automobile sliding round, however I simply had sufficient to have the ability to reply to Max’s fast laps when it mattered. I used to be somewhat cautious how it will play out on the finish of the race as soon as Max pitted, however I am so grateful to my workforce as a result of they made the precise calls all day on the technique. What a privilege it’s to have the ability to get one other outcome like this.”
Valtteri Bottas, eighth
“I am so glad that Romain is okay – that is actually a very powerful factor right this moment and I am very relieved he was capable of escape such an enormous accident. I had a puncture on the restart of the race; I do not assume there was any contact and I did not see any particles both, so I am not fairly certain what induced it. I attempted preventing my means by the sphere, however we had a much bigger wing than a lot of the others, so it wasn’t straightforward to get by the practice of automobiles. On the very finish, I had one more puncture, however thankfully that was underneath the Security Automobile and I did not lose any extra positions. I will want to have a look at what I can do higher subsequent week; the observe format shall be totally different, however a variety of the traits may also keep the identical, so there is definitely quite a bit to study from this week. Hopefully, I will have higher luck subsequent weekend.”
Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“To start with, I need to say thanks to the FIA and F1 for having given us these extremely secure racing automobiles. Immediately’s occasions present that the introduction of the halo was tremendously essential. I additionally need to thank the marshals in addition to Dr. Ian Roberts and Alan van der Merwe who helped Romain escape the scene. So far as I do know, Romain is okay, and I want him the very best restoration and I hope his household is alright regardless of having to witness these terrible photos. For our workforce, it was one other bittersweet race; on the one hand, I am very completely happy for the workforce and Lewis. The automobile confirmed robust efficiency right this moment and the technique workforce was on its A recreation. Sadly, Valtteri had extra unhealthy luck this weekend along with his puncture. We have to discover a technique to break the sample of him shedding races for causes which might be past his management. Valtteri might have gained a number of extra races this 12 months and it is only a disgrace that he wants to deal with these outcomes. However it’s going to make him stronger and now he simply wants to offer his greatest in these final two races and safe P2 within the championship. I’ve little doubt that subsequent 12 months shall be very robust for him. I am additionally sorry for the frustration of Racing Level, however completely happy that Lance escaped unharmed. We have to analyse what occurred on Sergio’s automobile and examine to verify we are able to keep away from these DNFs sooner or later.”
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director
“It was an enormous aid to see that Romain was okay. The incident regarded terrifying, however fortunately he was capable of get out safely. It is good that the FIA will evaluation all areas to search out out what classes will be learnt. Effectively achieved additionally to Alan and Ian within the medical automobile together with the marshals, it was a really speedy and courageous response from all of them. Congratulations to Lewis, he managed the race brilliantly and was nearly capable of maintain it underneath management, however the further Onerous tyre that Crimson Bull carried into the race left us with a little bit of a weak point. The ultimate stint was a bit awkward as there have been moments within the race the place a Security Automobile would have been troublesome to handle; nevertheless, by the point the Security Automobile did come in the direction of the tip, we knew the race would not restart so we stored Lewis out on his outdated tyres. Valtteri had greater than his justifiable share of unhealthy luck; he had a poor getaway from the grid which simply seems to be prefer it was low grip on the P2 spot, there wasn’t something clearly unsuitable with the beginning itself. He then picked up a entrance proper puncture on the opening lap after the restart, so we had no selection however to cease and that dropped him to the again. The restoration from there was a bit troublesome, we’re clearly carrying a much bigger wing than most and it was tough to get by the automobiles rapidly. To prime his break day, he picked up one other puncture in the direction of the tip of the race, so he’ll little doubt be wanting ahead to a much less eventful race subsequent week. We have the brief circuit to deal with and some areas that we have to be seeking to enhance, nevertheless it ought to be an attention-grabbing problem.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Group Mercedes W11 on observe in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs)
Crimson Bull
Verstappen didn’t have an excellent begin on Lap 1 however did sufficient to carry off a charging Perez and made a greater go of issues on the restart. From there second was all the time assured, however he couldn’t discover any reply to the tempo of Hamilton out entrance. He did wonder if a more aggressive strategy would have helped, however Mercedes may nicely have had the reply to that as nicely. As for Albon, he held fourth on the restart and there he regarded destined to complete till Perez’s late retirement promoted him to a surprise podium with a number of laps to go.
Max Verstappen, 2nd
“It was after all an enormous shock to see the flames at the beginning of the race and you already know it’s unhealthy when there may be hearth like that. We have been all relieved that Romain was capable of get out of the automobile himself and that any accidents have been treatable and I hope he recovers rapidly. It’s not good to see these issues occur however thankfully the protection is unbelievable with the fits and the halo actually saved his life right this moment by pushing the guard rail up over his head. Within the race I attempted every little thing I might to stick with Lewis and there wasn’t a lot left to offer however sadly we have been only a bit too sluggish. I feel we might possibly have put Mercedes underneath a bit extra strain however general I feel second is the place we belong right this moment with the tempo of the automobile. A double podium is a superb outcome for the Group and nicely achieved to Alex as I’m happy for him. The automobile appears to be working nicely right here so we’ll see how subsequent weekend goes on the totally different format however hopefully we are able to discover a bit extra tempo and get every little thing that’s attainable.”
Alex Albon, third
“In fact there’s a little bit of luck concerned right this moment and Sergio drove a great race however we have been there to capitalise on something occurring forward and that’s precisely what we did so I’m actually completely happy. The Group informed me Sergio may need an engine concern and my first thought was if he’s dropping oil, I don’t need to be the primary automobile behind him so I stayed off-line simply in case and thankfully every little thing labored out. Contemplating the automobile harm we had on Friday, the fellows did an incredible job to get every little thing prepared for Saturday and it’s good to repay them on this means. It’s been a great weekend for me tempo smart and I’m proud of the way it turned out. I really feel like the previous couple of races have been getting higher and outcomes simply haven’t proven that however we’ve taken one other step ahead this weekend and I’m happy. Subsequent week we’re racing on a unique format nevertheless it’s a fairly related circuit so hopefully we are able to anticipate extra of the identical. Like everybody within the paddock I used to be additionally very relieved to see Romain stroll away from the automobile after the accident, it was stunning to observe again and the protection workforce did an incredible job right this moment.”
Christian Horner, Group Principal
“Firstly it’s an enormous aid that Romain Grosjean is okay this night and all credit score goes to the FIA and significantly Ian, Alan and the marshals that have been there with out hesitation to assist extract Romain from the automobile. They’re actually heroes. We generally underestimate the position that the FIA play however right this moment Romain owes his life to that collective work and the protection measures in place. For our drivers, Max extracted each ounce of efficiency from the automobile with second place and our first podium at this observe since 2013. We did an additional cease on the finish, as a result of we might, which helped us obtain an additional level for Quickest Lap. Alex in the meantime drove one other robust race. He was unfortunate to lose out a bit to Sergio at the beginning and there was little or no between them right this moment. Sergio’s misfortune was Alex’s luck, giving him third place on the rostrum to safe our first double podium for the reason that 2017 Japanese Grand Prix. Immediately’s outcome additionally secures second within the constructors’ championship for the Group which is encouraging and it allows us to now concentrate on making an attempt to get each drivers additional up the standings within the remaining races.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Second positioned Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Crimson Bull Racing and third positioned Alexander Albon of Thailand and Crimson Bull Racing have a good time in parc ferme in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Dan Istitene – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs)
Racing Level
An unfortunate day for the Pink Panthers. Stroll was tipped over on the restart in a dramatic-looking incident that thankfully wasn’t as impactful because it first appeared. Replays confirmed Stroll and Kvyat each wished the identical apex on the identical time and collided, with the forces at work simply tipping the RP20 over. The Canadian was okay however that left Perez flying the flag for the workforce within the constructors’ struggle. The Mexican held onto third for the overwhelming majority of the afternoon and appeared to serenely be headed for his second straight podium earlier than MGU-K issues saw him retire with a handful of laps to go.
Sergio Perez, DNF
“It’s actually exhausting for each myself and the workforce to take right this moment’s outcome, however within the grand scheme of issues, it virtually turns into irrelevant after Romain’s crash at the beginning. On the finish of the day, it’s both another or one much less podium or trophy for me, however the essential factor is that Romain continues to be with us and that he’s okay. I want him all the perfect. It was definitely exhausting to get again into the automobile after seeing one thing like that, however you simply must focus and put together for the race. I feel we executed an ideal race and the rostrum was positively ours – it was going to be considered one of my greatest in Method 1. It was gutting to retire with three laps left as a consequence of an MGU-Ok electrical concern. We have been going to complete forward of a Crimson Bull and a Mercedes, which is a superb credit score to all of us on the workforce, and we’d achieved such a great job all weekend too. We’ve misplaced out on some actually essential factors right this moment, which makes it a bit tougher within the drivers’ and constructors’ championship battles, however the constructive is that there are nonetheless two extra races to make up for it.”
Lance Stroll, DNF
“I’m actually completely happy that Romain was capable of stroll away from that crash because it was a scary one to see occur. I feel all of us drivers within the pitlane needed to cease for a second and reset earlier than getting again into the automobile. I’m positively pondering of him. For me, personally, I’m actually pissed off by the race. We’ve scored two factors since Monza and it’s been a collection of incidents exterior of my management that’s induced it. At one level this season we have been P4 within the Drivers’ Championship and we’d had such a powerful begin to the 12 months, in order that makes the present scenario all of the extra irritating. I can’t say a lot about right this moment’s incident, I used to be going by Flip 8 and was mid-corner once I was hit by Daniil [Kvyat] who got here out of nowhere and linked with me. The crash regarded worse than it was: I’m okay, and Daniil received a penalty. There’s no level fascinated with what might have been right this moment or within the earlier occasions. We gained’t dwell on it as a result of there’s nothing we are able to do about it now. We’d like this run of unhealthy luck to finish and we’ll concentrate on coming again stronger subsequent week and ending the season on a excessive.”
Otmar Szafnauer, Group Principal & CEO
“A tricky night in Bahrain. Checo was cruelly denied a podium after an MGU-Ok concern pressured us to park the automobile with three laps remaining. As much as that time, he had pushed a flawless race, managing the tyres completely, and working comfortably in third place. Lance was simply as unfortunate – being eradicated by no fault of his personal after Kvyat flipped him over. It was a scary second, however thankfully Lance was checked on the medical centre and is okay. It makes the struggle for third within the championship tougher, however there are nonetheless two races to go, loads of factors out there, and we all know we have now a aggressive automobile. We’ll give every little thing we have now to get better the misplaced factors right this moment and reclaim third within the championship. Concerning Romain’s accident, we share the aid of the complete paddock that he solely has minor accidents. It was a daunting accident and credit score to the FIA and sport as an entire for the protection requirements we have now labored exhausting to ship in latest occasions.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Lance Stroll of Canada driving the (18) Racing Level RP20 Mercedes is launched the wrong way up following a crash in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Clive Mason – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs)
Haas
Grosjean suffered a horror crash on the very first lap, his automobile engulfed in flames after it collided with the obstacles. The Frenchman made it out in a single piece, which is a credit score to the continuing security requirements of those automobiles. He was taken to the hospital for checks after reportedly struggling burns to his arms and ft. Magnussen did nicely to return to the cockpit in making an attempt circumstances, however on a troublesome day for the workforce he suffered harm on the restart and the ensuing pit cease dropped him down the order.
Kevin Magnussen, seventeenth
“Firstly, I am simply very, very completely happy to see Romain stroll away from that crash, it was unbelievable. To see him survive that’s frankly a miracle. I am so completely happy that the halo was launched, and it was on his automobile. With out it I am certain it will have been very totally different. That is actually all from me right this moment. I am simply completely happy that we have nonetheless received Romain.”
Guenther Steiner, Group Principal
“We received lucky right this moment. The excellent news is that Romain is doing nicely contemplating what occurred. We’re grateful for all the protection developments in trendy Method 1 as a way to defend the drivers. We ship a thanks to the FIA security workforce and the marshals who have been on-site instantly to assist Romain get away from the scene. As I mentioned, I feel we received fortunate, there’s not much more to say. We hope Romain will get better rapidly from the accidents he sustained.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Particles following the crash of Romain Grosjean of France and Haas F1 is pictured in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Clive Mason – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs)
McLaren
What a turnaround from yesterday. Opting to start out Sainz, who was down the order, on the softs proved a masterstroke as he made his means again by the sphere. Norris likewise appeared to have loads of tempo tonight regardless of damaging his entrance wing on the primary lap, which thankfully could possibly be repaired in the course of the red-flag stoppage. He even had the honour of overtaking Bottas on benefit in a spirited show. After the second spherical of stops these two wound up chasing one another house however fortunately for the workforce, they behaved themselves till the chequered flag.
Carlos Sainz, fifth
“To start with, a very powerful factor right this moment is that Grosjean is okay. It was a large aid to see him soar out of the automobile after such a scary accident. I feel that is the toughest reminder of how harmful motorsport is. Regardless of the unbelievable security measures we have now these days, our lives are nonetheless in danger each weekend when driving these beasts to the restrict. This needs to be revered. On the constructive aspect, what occurred right this moment underlines the nice job of Method 1 and the FIA, in collaboration with the groups, to maintain making the automobiles safer yearly. I feel nobody will dare to criticise the halo, for instance, after what we’ve seen tonight. Lastly, I need to spotlight the job of the marshals and our pit-crews. They could not drive the automobiles, however they’re equally uncovered to massive dangers and they’re key to guard us all.
“From my aspect, one other good comeback from P15 to P5! I managed to do a really robust first stint with the Mushy tyre, overtaking lots of people however on the identical time making that tyre final. The second stint on the Medium was additionally very robust, and we have been capable of go each Renaults and have good tempo closing the hole to Lando. It was an excellent race and we managed to attain an enormous quantity of factors for the workforce which is essential for the championship standings.”
Lando Norris, 4th
“To start with, I’m glad to see that Romain wasn’t significantly injured. It was good to see him get out of the automobile and it proves how secure the game has develop into because of the work achieved by F1 and the FIA together with the groups. As soon as once more, the halo has proved that it saves lives, and I’m certain that we’ll study much more from this accident and make the game even safer. The bravery proven by the marshals and medical automobile crew was completely unbelievable as nicely.
“In any other case, an excellent race! First time I feel we’ve had that in a very long time. I feel every little thing went just about completely for us. Each begins have been actually good which put us in a powerful place forward of the Renaults. That was all actually! There wasn’t much more to the race. I do know there was a variety of motion, however I feel we simply had a great technique and we did what we needed to do. My race wasn’t boring, nevertheless it was fairly simple and we caught to our plan and targeted on ourselves. That was all we wished to do at first and that’s what we did, so I’m completely happy all of it paid off. Good factors, fourth and fifth – considered one of our greatest outcomes as a workforce. bounce again from yesterday.”
Andreas Seidl, Group Principal
“An important factor that comes out of the Bahrain Grand Prix is that Romain and Lance might each stroll away after their accidents right this moment. It’s a reminder for all of us that we must always by no means lose sight of the danger our drivers are taking every time they depart the storage. The FIA, F1, the circuits and observe marshals all around the globe, along with the groups, have achieved nice work to make sure Method 1 has an excellent degree of security. We have to stay conscious that the game won’t ever be 100 per cent secure, and maintain working to enhance it.
“Effectively achieved right this moment to each our drivers and the complete workforce, each right here on the observe and again house on the MTC, and to our colleagues from Renault. From P9 and P15 on the grid to P4 and P5 on the flag was one other nice restoration drive and gave us 22 vital Constructors’ Championship factors. It was a well-executed race right this moment, with the precise calls when it comes to tyres and race technique and good work within the pit-stops. We will’t get carried away by it. Our goal for the ultimate two races should be to qualify larger up the grid – and we’re wanting ahead to making an attempt that subsequent week once we’re again right here in Sakhir, albeit racing on a really totally different circuit.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Carlos Sainz of Spain driving the (55) McLaren F1 Group MCL35 Renault leads Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Renault Sport Method One Group RS20 in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Dan Istitene – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs)
AlphaTauri
Kvyat was concerned within the two massive incidents right this moment. There wasn’t quite a bit he might do within the collision with Grosjean, with the Frenchman clipping his entrance wing at the beginning. As for the Stroll crash, the stewards deemed Kvyat accountable for the incident given he was the automobile behind and will have pulled out of the transfer, and that earned the Russian a 10-second time penalty on a troubled night. Gasly had a greater time of it, he made a one-stop technique work and though he was lucky that the late Security Automobile prevented any overtaking, nonetheless managed to nurse his aged tyres house for a superb sixth place.
Pierre Gasly, sixth
“The principle factor about right this moment is to see Romain strolling away from that horrific crash at the beginning of the race. It was fairly stunning to see, however I’m actually glad he’s okay and I want him all the perfect for his restoration and hope to see him again very quickly. Efficiency-wise, I’m actually happy with our job. We took a dangerous technique – it was a chance – nevertheless it paid off ultimately. It was one of many hardest races and a variety of exhausting work contained in the cockpit right this moment, it was all about managing and pushing as exhausting as I might, with out hurting the tyres an excessive amount of and maintain them alive for as many laps as attainable. It gave me a fairly exhausting time within the cockpit, however we managed to get considered one of our greatest outcomes of the 12 months, so I’m actually completely happy to make it again within the factors and make the perfect out of this Sunday.”
Daniil Kvyat, eleventh
“To complete P11 is tremendous irritating. On the opening lap, I used to be a bit offended at first with Romain for his transfer, however then I used to be simply fearful about him as a result of I noticed the flames and the way unhealthy the crash was – I used to be simply hoping he was OK and thankfully it wasn’t as unhealthy because it regarded. Then on the race restart I had an incident with Stroll. I used to be totally on the within of him and even when I feel noticed me he selected to show in like I wasn’t there. I put my entire automobile on the within of the kerb and there wasn’t way more I might have achieved. So, I don’t share the identical view because the Stewards relating to my penalty. It’s a disgrace they took this resolution as a result of it ruined my race. I’m upset however nothing will change the result, sadly.”
Claudio Balestri, Chief Engineer – Automobile Efficiency
“Tonight’s race was actually eventful, with a crimson flag on the primary lap and two Security Automobiles. To start with, we’re completely happy that neither accidents, particularly the primary one for Grosjean, didn’t have any main consequence, it was such a aid to see him getting out of the automobile. As for our race, we modified our technique on the restart to attempt to get a bonus from two new units of the Onerous compound which we had out there. With Daniil, we determined to be extra aggressive, beginning on the Possibility on the restart and utilizing the 2 new units of Hards later within the race. Regardless of the 10-second penalty as a result of collision with Stroll, he was capable of arrive simply out of the factors in P11. As for Pierre, he was capable of handle the tyres very nicely to afford solely one-stop, ending the race in a well-deserved P6. We now swap our ideas to the following race which is able to once more be held right here on the Shakir circuit, however on the brand new difficult outer-circuit, the place we anticipate one other shut midfield battle.”
Franz Tost, Group Principal
“Immediately we noticed a really heavy accident at the beginning for Romain Grosjean, who, thankfully, was capable of soar out of the automobile with none main accidents. With no robust monocoque and the halo, the implications may need been a lot worse, so an enormous thanks to the FIA for continually bettering the protection of the automobiles. As for our race, we began from P8 with Pierre and P10 with Daniil. Each of them didn’t have an excellent begin and misplaced some positions, particularly on the first nook. Then Daniil had the collision with Romain, who approached from the left to the right-hand aspect of the observe, touching Daniil’s entrance left wheel earlier than going off into the obstacles. After the crimson flag, Daniil restarted on the Choices. Then he had an incident with Stroll, who, for my part, got here fairly aggressive to the within and I don’t assume Daniil might have achieved something to keep away from the collision. He obtained a 10-second penalty and his race was compromised. Daniil wasn’t fairly proud of the Possibility tyre as he felt he didn’t have sufficient grip, so we known as him in once more to change to the Base tyre. Once more, his automobile didn’t carry out that nicely on the Base tyre both. In the long run, Daniil completed simply out of the factors in P11. With Pierre, we modified our technique and for the second begin we despatched him out on Base tyre, calculating that possibly he might pull off a one-stop. It was a bit dangerous, however every little thing labored very nicely on the Base tyre and we known as him in on lap 25 to vary to a different set of the Base compound. It was a profitable resolution as a result of he actually felt good on that tyre, and he might end the race in P6. Pierre and the workforce deserved a rewarding outcome as they did an excellent job all weekend. Final however not least, it’s good to see Crimson Bull Racing reaching a double podium end right this moment. I’m more than happy for them, particularly for Alex after his accident on Friday, as this shall be a lift for his confidence.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Scuderia AlphaTauri sits within the Pitlane following a crimson flag delay in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Mark Thompson/Getty Photographs)
Renault
The Renault boys have been so shut yesterday in qualifying, it did appear destined that they’d be tightly matched within the race and so it proved. Ocon wound up forward after the primary set of pit stops, however Ricciardo appeared to have extra tempo and was allowed previous. The Frenchman regained the place within the second spherical of stops however couldn’t maintain onto it on benefit with the Aussie getting again previous with the assistance of DRS. Ricciardo ran out of time because of the final Security Automobile to chase down Gasly, with seventh the perfect he might handle right this moment.
Daniel Ricciardo, seventh
“Firstly, I’m glad Romain is okay after the incident. The outcome right this moment doesn’t matter a lot after that and it’s a little bit of an afterthought. To see him escape and stroll away was a aid and I want him the perfect in his restoration. That’s the principle factor from right this moment. When it comes to our race, it definitely wasn’t what we wished however we gave it our greatest and we nonetheless managed to attain factors. We’ll concentrate on subsequent week when it comes, it’s nonetheless to play for within the championship and we’ll come again stronger.”
Esteban Ocon, ninth
“The primary, and important factor, is the information of Romain [Grosjean] and I want him a really quick restoration. It was a loopy incident. The workforce informed me within the automobile that he was alright, however wanting on the photographs, I struggled to imagine it. It’s a miracle that he’s advantageous and I’m glad to listen to he’s okay. Our race was secondary to that incident right this moment. We’ve lots to evaluation from the race because the McLarens have been a bit faster than us. We’ll push on see what we are able to do subsequent weekend on the shorter format and try to declare some factors again.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Group Principal
“After a really promising qualifying with each drivers into the highest 10 on medium tyres, Daniel beginning sixth and Esteban seventh, this race is clearly disappointing. We misplaced positions in the course of the two begins, the primary with Esteban and the second with Daniel, which hampered our race and impacted our technique with early stops. Within the second stint, each automobiles failed to search out the tempo and we should perceive why. By the tip of the race, Daniel was on the tempo once more and would have completed sixth with out the Security Automobile intervention. The ultimate results of this weekend is less than our ambitions and we have to regroup in a short time for the final two races. I additionally want Romain a speedy restoration after this horrible accident and I hope to see him again behind the wheel earlier than the tip of the season.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Aston Martin Crimson Bull Racing RB16, Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Group Mercedes W11 and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Renault Sport Method One Group RS20 battle for place at the beginning in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Dan Istitene – Method 1/Method 1 by way of Getty Photographs)
Ferrari
Leclerc made up floor at each begins, however didn’t have the tempo to compete and shortly fell again by the sphere. He did inherit P10 after Perez’s late incident although to a minimum of deliver a degree house for the workforce who have been simply by no means fast sufficient right here to compete this weekend. Vettel had a more durable afternoon, taking avoiding motion when Stroll’s automobile was tipped over and shedding a handful of locations in consequence.
Sebastian Vettel, thirteenth
“Perhaps the one excellent news of right this moment is the one I obtained on the radio, confirming to me that Romain was okay. Once we stopped within the pitlane and I jumped out of the automobile I noticed the pictures and it was unbelievable how he was capable of get out of his automobile. I’ve to confess I attempted not to have a look at the pictures an excessive amount of.
“Speaking about my race, the primary stint was very unhealthy, I didn’t have the tempo and I misplaced various floor. The scenario improved because the race went on and in free air ultimately it was not that unhealthy however all in all it was positively a troublesome race.”
Charles Leclerc, tenth
“After Romain’s crash, I used to be feeling very unhealthy. It was in all probability the primary time I’ve felt like this throughout a race, as a result of I used to be making an attempt to maintain somebody behind me and so I noticed what occurred in my rear view mirrors and once I received to Flip 9 I noticed the flames, so I used to be worrying and ready for information about Romain. I used to be extraordinarily completely happy once they informed me he was okay, after what appeared like a really very long time. Effectively achieved to everybody who works on making our automobiles secure. It’s spectacular to see what an unbelievable job they’ve achieved! As soon as I knew Romain was okay I targeted on the race once more.
“It was a troublesome one for us right this moment, as we have been actually not fast sufficient. I had an excellent begin however sadly after that it was all uphill. P10 was the perfect we might obtain right this moment. We’ve two extra GPs forward of us now and we’ll attempt to get essentially the most out of them.”
Mattia Binotto, Group Principal
“The result of right this moment’s race is secondary to the aid we felt when Romain Grosjean received out of his automobile after that terrifying accident. The truth that he suffered solely minor accidents is a testomony to the superb job achieved by the FIA when it comes to security and the braveness and professionalism of all these concerned on that entrance at a Grand Prix. However for the progress made in recent times and above all of the introduction of the halo, we’d have been commenting on a tragedy. As for our race, it was disappointing, however we had seen proper from Friday that we’d battle this weekend. Now we have now a number of days by which to analyse all the information fastidiously and see how we are able to enhance the automobile’s dealing with for subsequent weekend. As we keep in Sakhir, the observe circumstances and temperatures ought to be the identical, however we shall be racing on a unique format for the very first time, which might current us with a possibility. It will likely be as much as us to know it and to do higher than we did right this moment.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF1000 locks up in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Bryn Lennon/Getty Photographs)
Williams
With Security Automobiles, crimson flags and all kinds of drama, it was the kind of night the place Williams maybe might have managed to attain their first level of the season. However with 17 automobiles making it to the chequered flag, it was nonetheless a troublesome ask – and one made more durable by Russell’s dreadful first begin. The teen atoned on the restart and labored his means as much as twelfth however didn’t have the tempo to assault any farther from there.
George Russell, twelfth
“I’m happy with the job we have now achieved this weekend. I dropped locations on the preliminary begin however from the restart I got here from P18 to P12, and within the race managed to maintain Vettel behind us, while overtaking Giovinazzi, Magnussen plus preventing with Kvyat. I feel it’s a job we will be happy with, and I feel we are able to depart saying we received every little thing out of this weekend. It’s not a degree however it’s the most that we might do right this moment.
“It’s unbelievable that Romain walked away from the crash right this moment. I’m simply happy that he’s okay and intensely grateful that we have now the halo. I’m happy with the work that the FIA and F1 have achieved for the protection over the latest years.”
Nicholas Latifi, 14th
“The primary begin was very tough however we received a significantly better begin on the second, and moved up a bit, however then I made a misjudgement while battling for place on the following lap. Nonetheless, I’m fairly happy with the race. Tyre degradation was the large issue to handle and I feel we did a great job. We had a powerful technique which meant I might obtain the goal which was to get forward of the Haas and the Alfa. Clearly, you all the time need extra, there are some issues that might have been higher because it wasn’t a straightforward race on the market, however I’m fairly happy with the outcome.
“I want Romain a speedy restoration, you by no means prefer to see one thing like that, it simply exhibits you that the danger is all the time there in motorsport.”
Dave Robson, Head of Automobile Efficiency
“Firstly, we ship our greatest needs to Romain Grosjean and Lance Stroll, in addition to our colleagues at Haas and Racing Level. The incidents that every suffered have been uncommon and we’re grateful that they every walked away with out severe harm.
“Secondly, Bahrain delivered a great race with a spread of methods and a few good overtaking. We’re happy with our efficiency right this moment and we have now a variety of positives to remove, a few of which we are able to apply to the race subsequent week. Each drivers accomplished robust races, following troublesome preliminary race begins. It was a disgrace to complete such a great race behind the protection automobile, and once more near the factors, nevertheless, it was a powerful weekend general and we have now set ourselves up properly for the problem of the Sakhir Grand Prix subsequent week.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Nicholas Latifi of Canada driving the (6) Williams Racing FW43 Mercedes on observe in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs)
Alfa Romeo
With Raikkonen carrying harm from particles, Alfa Romeo did try to swap their drivers to see if Giovinazzi might make any headway up the order. The Italian began to battle on his tyres and was considered one of only a few automobiles to pit underneath the late Security Automobile which dropped him again behind his workforce mate. Like the opposite Ferrari-powered automobiles, this one was a battle for the workforce – however hopefully higher issues are to return from the final couple of races.
Kimi Raikkonen, fifteenth
“Like everybody, I’m completely happy to see Romain being okay: no one is used to seeing crashes like that in lately so it’s essential to see he was capable of stroll away. As soon as the race restarts and you’re within the automobile, although, you simply concentrate on that: sadly my race was compromised early on as I received harm in each begins. I had a success to the ground within the first begin after which to the entrance wing and to the precise aspect of the ground within the second and that took away a variety of efficiency. The automobile was fast within the first laps after the stops, however the harm made the tempo fall off rapidly. It’s a disgrace because the automobile felt fairly good on the best way to the grid, however we weren’t capable of make that potential repay.”
Antonio Giovinazzi, sixteenth
“I used to be actually relieved to see Romain stroll away from that vast crash – seeing him get out of the automobile was the perfect factor of tonight. I hope his accidents are usually not too severe and he will be again with us quickly. As for the race, I made an excellent begin and made up a variety of positions earlier than the crimson flag – I used to be eleventh, however was introduced again to P14 on the restart. The second launch wasn’t nearly as good and after that I settled right into a rhythm: our tempo was fairly good however I’ve a sense our decisions for the race didn’t repay in addition to we anticipated. We selected to remain out on the exhausting tyres and solely stopped when the ultimate security automobile got here out, however that didn’t work for us ultimately. Time to shift our focus to subsequent week and hope it goes higher.”
Frédéric Vasseur, Group Principal
“Earlier than any consideration will be made concerning the sporting outcome, it’s essential to specific our aid in seeing Romain Grosjean stroll away with comparatively little hurt from such a terrifying crash. Seeing the pictures on our TV screens was a breath-taking expertise and the result of this incident is testomony to the nice strides made by the FIA and F1 in making our sport safer. There can by no means be complacency when security is concerned, nevertheless it’s heartening to see classes are being put to good apply. As for the race, it was an unfortunate evening by which we had any alternative of a great outcome taken away from us by a number of unlucky circumstances. Antonio’s nice launch was nullified by the crimson flag and Kimi’s race got here undone as he suffered harm in each race begins. It’s been a difficult weekend however all we are able to do now’s concentrate on subsequent week’s race.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – NOVEMBER 29: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Alfa Romeo Racing seems to be on from the pitwall in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on November 29, 2020 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photograph by Mark Thompson/Getty Photographs)
Pirelli
Mario Isola, Head of F1 and Automobile Racing
“First and clearly foremost, we’re simply relieved that Romain Grosjean appears to have solely minor accidents after the large accident on the opening lap. Every part else that occurred right this moment is irrelevant compared, and it speaks a lot about trendy security requirements that this accident was survivable. When it comes to the race, methods have been clearly influenced by the prolonged interruptions, with the delayed race happening later within the night. This meant that the smooth tyre carried out extra strongly than anticipated, as Carlos Sainz confirmed in his first stint after the re-start, whereas the medium tyre stints could possibly be prolonged too. This was demonstrated by Hamilton, who accomplished two fairly lengthy stints on it earlier than ending on the exhausting. All through the race, we noticed a wide range of totally different methods, with Gasly stopping twice for 2 units of exhausting tyres on his technique to P6, for instance. In Method 2, tyre administration was essential, with the medium tyre taking part in a key position for some drivers. Deletraz was the one driver to start out on medium earlier than switching to hards, and he made this technique work completely, leading to a type of fightbacks by the sphere which have develop into a trademark of Method 2.”
