6th December 2020 was the Sakhir Grand Prix, which has one of the smallest circuits (54 – 55 seconds) in the F1 history. Lewis Hamilton was tested with Covid-19 and had to isolate. His replacement was the highly anticipated (and loved) George Russell from Williams, a relatively new driver under the Mercedes programme. This race would be an opportunity for him to show the world his true potential, and immerse pressure for Valtteri Bottas as he had a rather unlucky season. Jack Atkins would then take Russell’s seat at Williams. At the end of the qualifying, Rusell achieved 2nd place – not a bad start for him in an unfamiliar car.
On race day, Bottas got another slow start (which happened a lot this season), and Russell managed to take the lead after turning into the first corner. Into turn 3, Ferrari driver Leclerc was beside RedBull driver Max Verstappen, and he was trying to overtake RacingPoint driver Sergio Perez. However, a lock-up by Leclerc had caused Perez to spun out, and the Monegasque and Dutchman crashed into the wall. This accident had forced Perez to race from the end of the pack.
Russell was very calm and leading the pack; perhaps this was due to his experience in F2 and F3 when he was a winner for both competitions. It was looking so smooth for Russell until Jack Atkins broke the front wing, and it all went downhill real fast …
Both Mercedes drivers were ordered to perform pitstop to take advantage of the safety car. However, the pitstop crew made a horrible mess. They put Bottas’ new tyres onto Russell and putting Bottas’s old tyre on himself. It was so chaotic; even Binnoto would be proud of it. But that was not the worst part as either Russell or Bottas could make it the podium.
The real heartbreak was when Russell got a tyre puncture, and it forced him to pit again for fresh tyres. He was so close to getting his first-ever podium, and the debris from Atkins’ accident (which was from Russell’s William car) had demolished his dream of getting his maiden victory. It was a disaster class from Mercedes. I quoted Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolf – “It was a colossal f**k-up.”
While tears of sorrow were running down Russell’s face, there were tears of joy from Perez. He had won his first-ever F1 Grand Prix! He managed to climb from the bottom of the grid (After the Leclerc incident) and got first place. Fully deserved to Checo. The weirdest part is – he does not have a seat for F1 2021 season. Right now, he is tipped to replace Alex Albon at Redbull Racing, to provide some competition for Verstappen. Oh yes! Congratulations to Renault driver Esteban Ocon for achieving his first podium ever.
I must say, this season is perhaps one of the most dramatic seasons in the history of F1, and many older fans do agree to the statement. Let’s hope the 2021 season will provide the same tensions and dramas.