Driver Ratings - Bahrain Grand Prix

It was one of the best season openers we’ve ever seen, but how did all of the drivers ‘bring it?’ or are some stuck in ‘Mode: Offseason’?

Lewis Hamilton – 9

We didn’t know what to expect from the Mercedes after a difficult test, but in his quest for an eighth world title, Sir Lewis proved exactly why he’s the best. In a slower car than Max Verstappen, he did a good job to find the balance between pace, defence and tyre management to keep the much faster Red Bull behind him.

Max Verstappen – 8

Halfway through the race, it looked like it was going to be the dream start for the Dutchman, but he just couldn’t deliver the final blow when it was most needed. He drove perfectly throughout the race, but it took far too long to catch Hamilton in the final stint, only to get stung by some dubious (and rather confusing) track limits rules.

Valtteri Bottas – 7

Lewis vs Max is the battle everyone has been talking about, and that could work in the favour of the Finn. Without the attention being on Bottas vs Hamilton, he can quietly make a charge and turn the championship fight into a three-horse race. A poor start meant he had a lot of work to do, and unfortunately, he couldn’t quite catch the leaders, but a decent showing got him P3 and fastest lap.

Lando Norris – 9

It’ll be an interest battle between Norris and Daniel Ricciardo this season, but his experience in the car and with the team could really work to his advantage in the early stages of the season, and that combined with his superb talent got him to P4. It looked like a pretty dull race for the young Brit after the start, but he’s got some big points on the board for himself and the team. Job done.

Sergio Perez – 9

It was almost over before it began for Checo, but after he managed to get his car going again, he showed exactly why Red Bull signed him.

Making the most overtakes out of any driver, the Mexican went from pit lane to P5 but just didn’t have enough to catch Norris in the final stint.

Charles Leclerc – 8

An outstanding performance in qualifying was rewarded with some decent points in the race. A great start meant he could pass Bottas, but the Ferrari couldn’t hold on and Leclerc made the sensible decision to let the Finn pass so he could focus on more realistic targets. Some great maturity shown behind the wheel when it came to close racing shows he’s picked up exactly from where he left off last season.

Daniel Ricciardo – 7

A seven feels harsh (especially as we now know he had floor damage on lap 1), but it was only an ‘ok’ performance from Ricciardo, and all of the fans expect much more. Still, a great Saturday and some great defensive driving against Sainz gave us a taste of what he’ll be able to do as the season progresses. Watch this space, he’s only getting started.

Carlos Sainz – 7

You could copy what I’ve said about Ricciardo and apply it to the Spaniard. A really solid first race in a new car with a new team. Playing it safe at the start was a wise move and some brilliant driving against Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso showed the world exactly why Ferrari picked him up. Again, watch this space.

Yuki Tsunoda – 9

There is a lot of pressure on the Tsunoda and he delivered. A fantastically mature drive, making big moves on former world champions (Alonso, Vettel and Raikkonen) and two experienced drivers (Russell and Stroll). He’s a very quick, aggressive driver who could do some big things if given the right support and opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the season brings.

Lance Stroll – 7

A disappointing start for Stroll and Aston Martin, but a point is still a point. A decent qualifying session was followed by a good start where the Canadian stayed out of trouble before settling in to a midfield battle. There’s not much more to say than that to be honest.

Kimi Raikkonen – 8

A disappointing race for Kimi, not because of any mistakes, but because the team could have picked up some points. Despite being on the grid for twenty years, the Iceman proved why he still deserves a place in F1 – if you haven’t seen the great move on Alonso, I suggest you give it a watch.

Antonio Giovinazzi – 7

Giovinazzi was soundly beaten by his team-mate, even though he made a good start and managed to hold position. Being asked to move aside due to being slower than your 40 year old team mate is not a good look, and Gio needs to have a very good season, or I could see him being out of the sport ahead of the regulation changes.

Esteban Ocon – 6

A race to forget for Ocon. Beaten by Alonso in qualifying and a very average race that was ended by Vettel crashing into the back of him. There are rumours already circling about Gasly taking his seat for 2022, so Ocon will need to improve his results from Imola onwards.

George Russell – 7

A ‘classic’ George Russell weekend. Get the car into Q2, fall back in the race to finish around P14. At least he got involved in the midfield fight a bit more, but he needs to be in a faster car, otherwise his talents won’t be able to develop much more.

Sebastian Vettel – 4

An awful weekend. P20 on the grid followed by a great start and a solid battle with Alonso before punting Ocon after a pit stop. Things should get better as he adapts to the car, but he needs to prove himself again after Aston Martin made the gamble.

Mick Schumacher – 6

If there’s one thing you want to do in your first ever F1 race, it’s bring the car home, and Schumacher did just that. A solid outing for the rookie with the only moment of note being the spin at the restart.

Did not finish

Pierre Gasly – 5

An amazing Saturday was reduced to nothing after contact with Ricciardo. He only has himself to blame after some pretty aggressive moves on the first lap. A huge positive has to be the pace of the Alpha Tauri, they’ve shown they could be a challenger for P4 in the constructor’s title.

Nicholas Latifi – 5

I don’t think I heard his name once in the race, and that sums it up to be honest. He showed flashes of solid racing last season but he now needs to build on that to secure his seat for future seasons.

Fernando Alonso – 7

The whole F1 world was watching the two-time champion make his return, and after a great qualifying effort, it looked like we were in for a treat. Unfortunately, the Alpine looked super slow in the straights and the Spaniard had to retire due to a brake issue. Ocon better watch out, because Alonso is as good as ever.

Nikita Mazepin – 1

Maybe he should have spent less time sexually assaulting women in the off-season and more time in the sim.