Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Charles Leclerc started Ferrari's season with a dominant performance to win the Bahrain Grand Prix, as the new ground-effect era began with a stunning upset. The Monegasque driver converted pole position into victory under the floodlights of Sakhir, leading home teammate Carlos Sainz for Ferrari's first one-two finish since the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix. The Scuderia's strong showing with their innovative F1-75 sent shockwaves through the paddock and announced them as genuine championship contenders.

The race was defined by late drama for Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen had mounted a strong challenge to Leclerc, engaging in wheel-to-wheel combat for the lead in the opening laps before settling into second place. However, with just three laps remaining, the reigning World Champion suddenly slowed with a fuel system issue, forcing him to retire from second position. Moments later, teammate Sergio Perez suffered an identical failure while running third, resulting in a devastating double DNF for Red Bull and handing Lewis Hamilton the final podium spot for Mercedes.

The season opener provided the first real test of the revolutionary new regulations designed to improve racing. Ferrari emerged as clear winners both on track and in the development battle, with the F1-75 showing superior pace and reliability. Mercedes struggled with severe porpoising issues that left both Hamilton and George Russell off the pace, finishing third and fourth respectively. The result gave Leclerc an early 12-point championship lead and suggested the competitive order had been completely reshuffled - though Red Bull would soon demonstrate that their underlying pace was genuine once reliability improved.