Mercedes penalized, Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari on the front row

The starting grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix changes: the Fia penalized George Russell (who had finished with the second fastest time) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli (initially fourth) by one position for irregularities in the pit lane with their Mercedes.

Gains one position Charles Leclerc who will start from the front row with the second fastest time alongside poleman Oscar Piastri. Russell and Antonelli were punished for starting before the marshals’ start after the red flag.

These had been the Monegasque’s statements after the third time set in qualifying: “Honestly, I did not expect this position. At the beginning of Q3 things looked really bad with the old tires, but as soon as we mounted the new ones, everything was better.”

“The team pushed hard to bring these upgrades here. It is a small step forward, not a big step forward, but next week should be a step forward. I didn&#8217t expect it, but I am very happy.” And we imagine that now, after being promoted to the front row, he is even happier…