Why did Max Verstappen retire from the Bahrain Grand Prix when he was set for a podium, what happened to him? Did the same problem affect teammate Sergio Perez?
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen looked set for another podium finish in the 2022 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix until late problems forced him out.
Teammate Sergio Perez also conked out on the last lap, losing a podium position as Ferrari secured a one-two with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Lewis Hamilton took third for Mercedes, but what actually happened to Max Verstappen?
Why did Max Verstappen retire from the Bahrain Grand Prix?
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What happened to Max Verstappen in Bahrain?
With 11 laps of the 57-lapper to go, Pierre Gasly pulled off at Turn 3 with an electrical fire at the rear of his AlphaTauri.
The safety car was deployed so marshals could retrieve the stricken machine, but Verstappen who had just pitted started to report problems to his Red Bull team.
Running behind long-time leader Leclerc, Verstappen started to say that the power steering on his RB18 was beginning to feel heavy.
He managed to fend of Sainz at the restart – but shortly afterwards reported more problems.
Race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase told Verstappen that Red Bull could not fix the problem and he would have to manage.
However, just after being overtaken by Sainz for P2 – Verstappen started to slow to a halt.
This allowed teammate Sergio Perez and Hamilton past to fight for the final podium spot.
Perez problems
On the final lap of the race, Hamilton looked to dive up the inside at Turn to take P3 from Perez.
However, the engine of the RB18 seized – throwing Perez into a spin.
Hamilton did not make contact with the Mexican.
Leclerc took Ferrari’s first win since the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix – and the third of his career.
Sainz took another podium for Ferrari with Hamilton salvaging third as Mercedes struggled in Bahrian.
George Russell was fourth – with the returning Kevin Magnussen fifth.
Both Red Bulls failed to finish.
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