Sakhir Grand Prix 2020 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sergio Perez claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in a chaotic Sakhir Grand Prix that saw George Russell's fairytale Mercedes debut end in heartbreak. Racing on Bahrain's ultra-fast outer circuit layout for the first time, the race was turned on its head by a remarkable sequence of events. Russell, deputizing for the COVID-19-affected Lewis Hamilton, had dominated from pole position and looked set for a sensational debut victory. However, a botched double-stack pit stop by Mercedes under the Safety Car saw Russell fitted with Valtteri Bottas's tires, forcing both drivers to pit again and dropping them out of contention.

Perez, who had earlier spun and dropped to last place following contact with Charles Leclerc on the opening lap, produced a stunning recovery drive to take the lead after the Safety Car chaos. The Mexican, who was set to lose his Racing Point seat for 2021, drove flawlessly to secure his first win in his 190th Grand Prix start. Esteban Ocon finished second for Renault to complete his maiden podium, while Lance Stroll claimed third for Racing Point. Russell set the fastest lap and recovered to ninth after yet another puncture derailed his comeback, adding to the young Briton's anguish.

The race was one of the most dramatic of the season, featuring multiple Safety Car periods, the Mercedes pit disaster, and Russell's late puncture while running second. Despite the cruel ending, Russell's pace throughout the weekend - out-qualifying and out-racing Bottas before the team's errors - proved he had the talent to fight for race wins. For Perez, the emotional victory validated his decade in Formula 1 and demonstrated why Red Bull would eventually sign him for 2021. The Sakhir GP provided an unforgettable mix of triumph and tragedy.