2017 Bahrain Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The winner of the previous Bahrain Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg, did not compete as he had retired after the season. Sebastian Vettel entered the race as the championship leader, equal on points with Lewis Hamilton but recognised as leader on a count-back. Mercedes led the Constructors' Championship by one point over Ferrari.

Reader's Guide

At the start, Bottas led away with Vettel in hot pursuit after he beat Hamilton into 2nd off the line. Vettel pitted early as did Verstappen, however Verstappen had a brake failure soon after and had to retire from the race. A collision between Stroll and Sainz occurred and with Stroll's car stuck on the track the safety car was deployed to clear it away. Hamilton then pitted but was penalised 5 seconds for holding up Ricciardo into the pits, he served his penalty at his second stop costing him a chance of winning the race. Alonso's frustration boiled over in a radio message saying he has never had so little power in his life before later retiring with engine problems. Vettel won from Hamilton who was let through into 2nd by Bottas with 10 laps to go.

Did You Know?

• Pascal Wehrlein returned to competition with Sauber after missing the opening two rounds due to injury.
• Valtteri Bottas won his maiden pole position by two-hundredths of a second.
• Fernando Alonso retired from the race, but was classified as he had completed 90% of the race distance.