Stress test after fire shock: Hamilton replacement with Bahrain's best time

In the stress test on the ultra-short Sakhir oval, Formula 1 faces the next risky race without leader Lewis Hamilton. A week after Romain Grosjean's frightening fire accident, the still shocked field of drivers crowds onto the previously never used outdoor track in Bahrain. The forced break for world champion Hamilton, who is infected with Corona, provides an additional stimulus on the full-throttle route, which is only 3,543 kilometers long, and gives the Mercedes hunters hope for a greater chance of victory. “Now everyone can win,” Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo even joked. Russell promptly points out Qualification on Saturday in particular could bring chaos. A lap only lasts around 55 seconds, and the pilots could get into a lot of trouble when chasing times on the mini-course. This was already evident in the rather hectic opening practice session on Friday, in which Hamilton's replacement George Russell promptly set the fastest lap. The Red Bull duo Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon took second and third place. “The race could be a bit crazy,” said Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel. As if the past few days hadn't been crazy enough for Formula 1. Despite all the hype about Mick Schumacher's imminent rise to the Haas cockpit, the horror of his predecessor Romain Grosjean's horror crash still lingers. “I thought I was going to die,” the 34-year-old said on Friday. Almost miraculously, he was able to escape from the wreckage of his blazing racing car, but sustained burns on the back of his hand. Grosjean at the racetrack The Frenchman returned to the paddock on Thursday with thick bandages on both hands and a splint on his left foot. He still hopes to be able to sit in the Haas car again at the season finale in Abu Dhabi in a week's time. “The race is important to me, but a race is not as important as the rest of my life,” said Grosjean. “We are all incredibly happy that he is still here. It could have turned out completely differently,” said colleague Vettel. The Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi will make his debut in a Grand Prix for Grosjean in Sakhir. A second newcomer will be in the Williams: Jack Aitken represents his British compatriot Russell, who is completely unexpectedly allowed to climb from the slowest car to the fastest. In the Silver Arrow of Hamilton, who is ten centimeters smaller, things are pretty tight for the 22-year-old. That's why he had to wear smaller shoes than usual, Russell revealed. “It’s a bit uncomfortable. But I am sure I can bear the pain for this opportunity,” he said. It was enough to achieve the best training time.

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Stress test after fire shock: Hamilton replacement with Bahrain's best time

There is no respite for Formula 1 after the shocking accident last week. The race will take place in Bahrain again, but this time on a route that is still unknown. In addition to accident victim Romain Grosjean, the world champion is also missing.

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