The misjudgments that hindered Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne are unlikely to be repeated in a Bahrain race that should tell us more about the credentials of Ferrari and Red Bull
In Bahrain this weekend, Mercedes will be confident they have eradicated the problem that cost them an almost certain win at the opening round of the Formula One season in Australia. The debriefs will likely have been uncomfortable, with Lewis Hamilton showing clear frustration after a race he thought was in the bag. But setting aside the number-crunching glitch or Sebastian Vettel making the most of it and the virtual safety car to take the win, there were questions raised at Albert Park to which we may see answers at the Sakhir circuit.
Hamilton had led comfortably in Melbourne until he pitted to cover off Kimi Raikkonen’s stop. Vettel stayed out and then, taking advantage of the slower track speed imposed by the VSC and by accelerating between the safety‑car line and the pit-lane entry, came out ahead of the British driver.
Related: Lewis Hamilton wary of 'rapid' Ferrari for Bahrain Grand Prix
The first half of the season may prove to be one of cagey, tactical conservatism rather than all-out racing
Related: Mercedes rue missed Melbourne chance but Red Bull and McLaren have hope | Giles Richards
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