2021 F1 Bahrain GP - Race weekend discussions

The first RACE episode is here! The much awaited 2021 season is off and FanF1ction is here to share our thoughts. We go over some controversial moments and talk about the nail-biter that this was and how FIA plays party poopers.Topics included in this podcast:New Website! www.f1fanfiction.comQualification elevator pitchDrama even before the raceRace start#MazespinRe-start after Safety-CarThe undercut trainAlonso vs Sainz Vs VettelPitstop #2Main event - VER vs HAMDriver of the dayTeam of the day"L" of the dayEquipment used:- Mics:-- Sarang: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-- Akash – Razer Seiren Mini- AV recording: Zencastr- Post-production: Audacity, AuphonicMusic:Intro: Howling (Sting) - Gunnar OlsenOutro: Your Intro by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Artist: http://audionautix.com/#F1 #Formula1 #Podcast #F1Podcast #F12020 #Formula12020 #BahrainGP #BahrainGP2021

**Race Summary:**

* The 2021 Formula One season kicks off with an exciting race in Bahrain.
* Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing takes the checkered flag, followed closely by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
* The race features several thrilling moments, including a restart after a safety car period and a tense battle between Verstappen and Hamilton in the final laps.

**Key Insights:**

* The new season promises to be more competitive than recent years, with several teams showing strong pace.
* Red Bull and Mercedes are still the top teams to beat, but Ferrari and McLaren have made significant progress.
* The midfield is also more competitive, with several teams capable of challenging for points.

**Highlights and Controversies:**

* **FIA's Controversial Decisions:** The race was marred by the FIA's handling of track limit regulations, particularly at Turn 4. Drivers were initially informed that they would not be penalized for exceeding track limits as long as they did not gain an advantage. However, mid-race, Hamilton received a warning for repeatedly going off-track, leading to criticism of the FIA for inconsistency and favoritism.

* **Hamilton vs. Verstappen Rivalry:** The main event of the race was the intense battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Verstappen attempted an aggressive overtake on Hamilton at Turn 4, forcing him off the track. Verstappen was instructed to yield the position back to Hamilton, which left a sour taste for Red Bull and its fans.

* **Red Bull's Strong Performance:** Despite the controversy, Red Bull had a strong race overall. Verstappen finished in second place, while Sergio Perez, starting from the pit lane, drove an impressive race to finish in fifth place. The team's pit stops were also executed flawlessly, contributing to their success.

* **Alpha Tauri's Team Chemistry:** Although Alpha Tauri did not achieve the desired results, the hosts praised the team's chemistry and the positive relationship between the drivers and the team. Yuki Tsunoda scored points in his debut race, showcasing the team's potential for growth.

**Winners and Losers:**

* **Driver of the Day:** Both hosts agreed that Max Verstappen deserved the Driver of the Day award for his aggressive and determined driving. He pushed Hamilton to the limit and delivered an exciting race.

* **Team of the Day:** Red Bull was chosen as the Team of the Day for their overall strong performance, including Verstappen's second-place finish, Perez's impressive recovery drive, and their well-executed pit stops.

* **Loser of the Day:** Nikita Mazepin was jokingly labeled the Loser of the Day for his multiple spins during qualifying and the race. The hosts saw it as an entertaining display of his eagerness to push the limits.

* **Bottas' Disappointing Performance:** Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes, was criticized for his lackluster performance. He finished third, but with a significant gap behind Hamilton and Verstappen. The hosts felt that he failed to challenge for the win and questioned his position as the second driver at Mercedes.

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their excitement for the upcoming season and encouraging listeners to visit their website, f1fanfiction.com, for more content and discussions.