Lewis Hamilton is benefiting from the bad luck Ferrari, but our man in Bahrain sees mainly the performance of Leclerc: Delay is not the right setting

Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain in the second round in the world championship Formula 1 win. On the circuit of Sakhir remained the five-time world champion Finnish Mercedes-ploemaat Valtteri Bottas three seconds. The Monegask Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) was six seconds to third. Our man in Bahrain analyses.

The neutral Formula 1 fan will be relieved breathing. The second grand prix of the year, illustrated particularly that Mercedes still hadn't left for a sixth season of dominance. Ferrari claimed after the dispirited start of the season in Melbourne order on affairs in Bahrain.

Even more memorable news for the neutral observer: also seen how the aerodynamic changes to the cars, yet quite what effect? In fact, there is again gekoerst. Sainz against Verstappen, were times against Hulkenberg, Vettel against Hamilton and not in the least Leclerc against Vettel: it are just four examples of nice duels that we saw. Duels with the cars of last year were not possible, because the chasing car too much last was of the by the leading machine created air flow and efficiency, was forced to concede. And whether it is a fun season.

There is more important news: the Formula 1 has a topper. Charles Leclerc was the moral winner in Bahrain. With head and shoulders. That Hamilton, his name is on the roll of honour parked, could only because the Ferrari in the slot cures. What Charles Leclerc showed and testified of great class. The whole weekend long. Fastest in the first and third free practice, fastest in all three kwalificatiesessies. Only false note: are less good start in the race. After a lap he was third. Everyone thought though that he may still last got from the press -the role is a heavy burden to carry in formula 1. No so. Not to worry. In the sixth round, drove the Ferrari with the number sixteen is already on the head. To that leadership, not more of the hands. Team-mate Vettel could not fist, Lewis Hamilton. In Bahrain it was Leclerc so strong that only the technique to him could terugfluiten. Such as came to pass with slightly more than ten laps to go.

Charles Leclerc was not the only loser of the problems with the electrical part of his Ferrari engine. Also the Formula 1 has lost it: a very beautiful page in the history. No need. I observed Leclerc a weekend in Bahrain (see our maandagkrant) and know for sure: delay is not the right setting...