By Abhishek Takle
MANAMA (Reuters) – Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected absence will add extra spice to a Sakhir Grand Prix that represents a new challenge for the seven- times world champion’s Formula One rivals in Bahrain this weekend.
The Mercedes driver, who has not missed a race since his debut with McLaren in 2007, is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
“I’m devastated that I won’t be racing this weekend,” said Hamilton, who had been on course to take 100 career poles and match the record for 13 wins in a season jointly held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
The starting grid will be without its biggest name under the floodlights, with only Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen having raced in the pre-Hamilton era, but that opens up opportunities for others.
Britain’s George Russell will move up from Williams to stand in for his compatriot, who has clinched his record-equalling seventh title, in one of three changes since last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The race is at the same circuit but on a different, and shorter, “outer” layout.
Two drivers will make their race debuts – Briton Jack Aitken in Russell’s place and Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi who steps into Romain Grosjean’s seat at Haas after the Frenchman’s fiery crash last weekend.
Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas should be favourite to chalk up his third win of the year in a car that has won 13 of the season’s 15 races.
Russell, meanwhile, will be expected to score his first career points after nearly two years in an uncompetitive Williams.
“Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car,” Russell said.
The floodlit 3.5-km layout is made up of 11 corners and drivers are expected to lap in under a minute — with 54 to 55-second laps predicted for qualifying.
Formula One has never raced on the layout before.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has run Bottas close this season, will fancy his chances as the favourite for a non-Mercedes win.
Thai team mate Alexander Albon, on the podium last Sunday, will be another contender as will Racing Point’s Mexican Sergio Perez, on course for a podium in Bahrain last Sunday until his engine blew.
The memory of Sunday’s race, and Grosjean’s miracle escape from a blazing car that had split in two, will hang over proceedings.
Germany’s Mick Schumacher, son of seven-times champion Michael Schumacher and announced on Wednesday as a Haas driver for 2021, can seal the Formula Two title in this weekend’s finale.
(Editing by Alan Baldwin and Ed Osmond)
