The 2020 Formula One season has been a remarkable one, with a record-breaking 23 races taking place in just one year. The season ended with the Sakhir Grand Prix, which took place on December 6th and 7th, 2020 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. The race was the first F1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East since 2004. It was also the first race of the season to be held in the dark, with the night race lasting two hours and 30 minutes.
The Sakhir Grand Prix featured an exciting line-up with the usual suspects of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, as well as some surprise entries from McLaren, Williams, Racing Point, and Haas. The race was won by Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who made a late overtake on Lewis Hamilton to take the chequered flag. Hamilton finished in second place, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third. The race was a thrilling one, with plenty of overtaking and position changes throughout the two and a half hours.
Table of Contents
The Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain International Circuit is one of the most impressive circuits in Formula One, with a main track that measures 5.412km in length and features several tricky corners including the famous “S” curve and the “Pearl” at the end of the lap. The track also has two shorter alternate layouts, the “Outer” and the “Inner” which are used for testing and other events throughout the year. The circuit also features two drag strips for drag racing, as well as a drift track and a karting track.
The Drivers
The 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix saw a mix of experience and youth on the grid, with the oldest driver being Kimi Räikkönen of Alfa Romeo at 40 years old. The youngest driver was Yuki Tsunoda of AlphaTauri at just 20 years old. Of course, the most experienced driver on the grid was seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who had previously won the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
The Race
The Sakhir Grand Prix was a thrilling race from start to finish, with plenty of action throughout the two and a half hours. The race began with Valtteri Bottas on pole and Lewis Hamilton in second, with both drivers making good starts and maintaining their positions. However, Hamilton soon lost his position to Max Verstappen, and then Bottas managed to pull away from the pack with a series of fast laps. Hamilton eventually managed to catch up to Verstappen, but he was unable to make a pass. Meanwhile, Bottas continued to pull away, eventually taking the chequered flag and claiming his second win of the season.
The Controversy
The Sakhir Grand Prix was not without controversy, as the race was hit by several incidents involving the safety car. On lap 33, the safety car was deployed after Sergio Perez crashed out of the race. On lap 45, the safety car was deployed again after Charles Leclerc spun off the track. On lap 65, the safety car was deployed for a third time after Carlos Sainz spun off the track. However, the race was able to continue with Bottas taking the chequered flag.
Conclusion
The 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix was a thrilling race, with plenty of action throughout the two and a half hours. Valtteri Bottas was the eventual winner, with Lewis Hamilton in second and Max Verstappen in third. The race was hit by several safety car incidents, but the race was able to continue and the result stood.
The Sakhir Grand Prix was an exciting way to end the 2020 Formula One season and will be remembered for years to come. The race provided plenty of drama and excitement, and it will no doubt be remembered as one of the most exciting races of the season.
