Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
THE look on Ferrari’s ace driver Sebastian Vettel’s face shows just how happy he is to have won the 2017 Formula One Gulf Air Grand Prix, recording a third glorious victory in Sakhir, writes Stan Szecowka.
The German, bidding to become only the third driver to win five or more championships in the sport’s long history, looked at the sky as fireworks greeted his 44th career victory.
“It was a really great day,” Vettel said. “I don’t know what to say. The last half of the in-lap with all the fireworks and the track was all lit up – I just love what I do – and I can’t find any words.”
This race also removed any lingering doubt that the threat to Mercedes’ recent dominance by Ferrari is genuine, as Vettel moved seven points clear at the top of the F1 standings with victory from third on the grid.
Lewis Hamilton, who was slicing seconds from Vettel’s lead despite a five-second time penalty, ended up second, with his team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who started on pole, third.
The win was Vettel’s second of the season after the world champion of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 during his Red Bull days won the opener for Ferrari in Australia. His 44th win lifted him to 68 points, with Hamilton second on 61.
