Max Verstappen delivered a near-perfect performance to earn a 9.5 rating in the latest driver assessments for the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver secured his first pole position of the season with a dominant qualifying display. Although he suffered a poor start that dropped him behind both Mercedes cars, he quickly regained control and managed a highly challenging race to victory.
Mercedes showed conflicting fortunes across their lineup. Kimi Antonelli, rated 9 out of 10, bounced back from previous inconsistencies with an excellent start that took him to the lead, ultimately finishing second. However, the team’s tire strategy proved problematic. Lewis Hamilton, who also received a 9.5 rating, faced a nightmare start on slick tires that saw him plummet from the front row to 18th place. He mounted a remarkable recovery drive, fighting back to the podium and overtaking Isack Hadjar after the final safety car period.
Ferrari encountered similar difficulties. Charles Leclerc, rated 8.5, qualified closely behind Hamilton but suffered the same early tire issues. He recovered impressively through the field to take fourth, salvaging a strong result from a strategy that initially appeared disastrous.
Other notable performances included Isack Hadjar, who earned an 8.5 for overcoming an engine penalty to qualify third and secure a spot on the podium, and Liam Lawson, who drove one of his strongest races of the year to finish seventh for Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso continued Aston Martin’s resurgence with an eighth-place finish, while George Russell’s strong drive was cut short by a power-unit failure on the penultimate lap.
In contrast, Lando Norris struggled to a 5.5 rating after a frustrating weekend capped by an avoidable mistake behind the safety car. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas had difficult outings, with the Finn admitting his tire choice was a risk before spinning into the gravel and triggering an early safety car.
Russell DNFing on the penultimate lap hurts so much. Could have been a solid points finish if reliability held.
Norris getting a 5.5 after his weekend must be a low point for him. Hope he bounces back stronger next time out.
Antonelli continues to impress. If Mercedes fixes that tire strategy, they might actually be title contenders this year.
Wait, wasn’t Bahrain held in Bahrain? The article says Malaysia twice. Just noticing the geographical error here.
Hamilton’s drive from 18th to podium is absolutely insane. That overtakes Hadjar at the end was pure class!