F1 2018: Vettel holds off Bottas for Bahrain win

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton lined up ninth on the grid after a five-place penalty for a gearbox change and had to fight through the pack to bag the final podium spot. 

The Brit survived a clash with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (more on that in a bit) but the highlight was a stunning triple overtake, when he overtook McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, Force India’s Esteban Ocon and Renault’s Nico Hülkenberg in one corner.

“There were some frustrating points during the race when the team couldn’t hear me [on the radio], so communication was really difficult,” Hamilton said.

Notably, this was his 27th points finish in a row, tying him for the all-time record with Räikkönen.

Vettel heads off Lewis criticism

Verstappen started well down the order after an off in qualifying, but his comeback charge ended due to a puncture following a first-turn clash with Hamilton.

That sparked further commentary after the cameras seemingly picked up Hamilton calling Verstappen a rude word shortly before the podium. The Brit was asked about his comment in the press conference, but Vettel interjected to defend his rival.

“I don’t think it’s justified to give us these kind of sh*t questions and make a story up out of nothing,” he said. “If we are just racing and we are full of adrenaline, sometimes we say these things. It’s a human reaction.”

So there.

For his part, Hamilton added: “It was an unnecessary collision. There needs to be a certain respect between drivers. It didn’t feel like a respectful manoeuvre.”

Verstappen’s retirement came shortly before teammate Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined with a differential problem, ending a disastrous race for the team.

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Toro Rosso’s joy

The new combination of Toro Rosso and Honda delivered in style in Bahrain, with Pierre Gasly qualifying a strong fifth and then charging to a brilliant fourth place in just his seventh F1 race.

The result was Honda’s best since returning to F1 as an engine supplier in 2015; its best result during three disastrous years with McLaren was fifth place.

“The car was fantastic from the beginning of the weekend, and in the race I could just push flat out and the pace was great,” said Gasly, adding: “I need a bit of time to let this sink in.”