Bahrain grand prix
Verstappen tops final Bahrain practice with Hamilton sixth
World champion Max Verstappen clocked the fastest lap in the third and final practice session Saturday at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, with Lewis...
Italy's Francesco Bagnaia, on another Ducati, came third on his first ride in the factory team after starting on pole, beating reigning champion Joan Mir of Suzuki back into fourth in the final moments of the race.
On a beautiful blue-skied day back at the track where Red Bull had dominated pre-season testing, the Dutchman continued where he had left off with an imperious late lap of 1:31.394 to finish top of the pile.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Horner said Ferrari’s decision was encouraging for F1 and everyone involved in the business end of the sport.
The five-time champion, who looked to be heading for second behind the 21-year-old Monegasque, gained the lead with 10 laps remaining when Formula One's new star, who claimed a record-breaking pole position for Ferrari on Saturday, was hit by engine problems.
The 37-year-old Spaniard left Formula One at the end of last season but remains close to the team as an ambassador and also as a driver competing in the Indianapolis 500 with a McLaren entry in May.
Hamilton, who came home second in a damaged car behind in-form team-mate Valtteri Bottas, said he was delighted, but surprised by Mercedes' comprehensive maximum points showing in Melbourne.
The win under the floodlights was the 49th of Vettel’s grand prix career and an unprecedented fourth at the Sakhir desert circuit.
Hamilton's Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas started on pole position for the first time in his career and ended up third.
If the unthinkable has become possible, it is because the McLaren team are so far off the pace in Formula One.
Team bosses said various new formats were discussed, as well as staying with the current one.
The Briton's lap of one minute 29.493 seconds was the fastest ever at the Sakhir track.
Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix was one of the more exciting races in recent times.
F1 has no concerns about the Bahrain Grand Prix becoming a target for anti-government protesters.