Bahrain Grand Prix 2017 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel reclaimed the championship lead with a commanding victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, overtaking pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas at the start and never looking back. The Ferrari driver's second win in three races extended his early-season momentum and demonstrated the SF70H's race-winning credentials under the floodlights of Sakhir.

Bottas had secured his first pole position for Mercedes but was powerless to prevent Vettel from sweeping around the outside into Turn 1, a decisive move that effectively won the race. Hamilton finished second after passing Bottas during the pit stop phase, while his Finnish teammate completed the podium in third. Hamilton set the fastest lap but couldn't challenge Vettel for victory, as Ferrari's superior tire degradation management and race pace proved crucial in the desert heat.

The victory put Vettel 13 points clear of Hamilton in the championship standings and sent a clear message that Ferrari's challenge was no flash in the pan. The SF70H's ability to manage tire temperatures in high-degradation conditions gave Vettel a crucial advantage, and his aggressive but clean move on Bottas at the start showcased the confidence flowing through the Scuderia. Mercedes faced a genuine fight for both championships for the first time in the hybrid era.