Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast Bahrain Race Review: Wet-Weather Chaos, Strategy Calls & Mercedes Tension
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Oct 4, 2026 Jonathan Simon, an Australian TV reporter and Formula 1 commentator, joins a lively review of Bahrain’s rain-soaked chaos. They dissect Ferrari’s tyre missteps, Verstappen’s inters gamble, Mercedes tension, Russell’s engine failure, Pirelli’s conservative calls and the painfully slow safety-car procedures. Hamilton’s recovery, Lawson’s battling drive and the late midfield clashes also take center stage.
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Ferrari Turned A Manageable Error Into Disaster
- Ferrari’s biggest error was not choosing slicks initially but refusing to switch when the evidence became overwhelming.
- Hamilton could have remained near the top ten by changing early, instead falling roughly 45 seconds behind.
Red Bull Flipped The Competitive Order In Bahrain
- Verstappen’s win showed Red Bull had transformed from a non-winning package into the weekend’s clearly dominant car.
- Mercedes remained vulnerable to drag, low-speed weakness, and possible heat-related power-unit limitations.
Russell’s Reliability Crisis Changed Mercedes’ Championship
- Russell’s engine-related retirement deepened Mercedes’ internal tension and widened an already severe points deficit to Antonelli.
- The discussion questioned whether Mercedes should have accepted an earlier engine penalty at a more favorable circuit.