2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Preview

Story posted March 3, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Shiv Nagpaul

The new Formula 1 season is upon us, and with every new season, comes new expectations.  This article will go over what to watch, for the season-opening 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix. 

Lance Stroll will get the drive for Aston Martin

There were rumors circulating that Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll would sit out the opening Grand Prix due to a wrist injury, however, Stroll got two screws tightened into his wrist in order to race this Sunday for the race.

It is also notable that the Canadian driver has struggled in his tenure at Aston Martin and could be on the hot seat, as some new drivers are waiting their turn to get a drive in F1.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, could we see a rivalry?

In last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez got into a verbal war of words over the team radio, as Verstappen refused to let Perez pass.  This could be a sign of an in-team rivalry, similar to what we saw with Rosberg and Hamilton in 2016. 

This could be bad for Red Bull, however, a rivalry can bring out the best in drivers and it is very entertaining to watch from a fan standpoint. 

Can Mercedes recapture their championship magic?

After winning an unprecedented eight straight constructors championships, Mercedes struggled all year last year with their car’s porpoising, as well as their star driver, Lewis Hamilton, underperforming from his usual winning standards. 

However, Mercedes have returned to their black livery, which dominated the field when they donned it in 2020 and 2021.  Perhaps the superstition of the black livery could be of some assistance to Mercedes as they look to recapture their championship magic. 

Who is the favorite to win this race?

Based on the pace of the cars in testing and last year’s championship results, it is a safe bet to assume Verstappen will take the top spot on the podium, barring a crash or a blown engine of course. 

The pace of Verstappen, coupled with the incredibly fast car Red Bull has given him, proves to be a blistering fast combination, as Verstappen dominated the championship last year, and with minimal changes in the regulations this year, Verstappen looks to repeat. 

Shiv Nagpaul is a first-year student majoring in Broadcast Journalism, to contact him, email shivoynagpaul@psu.edu.