Nico Hulkenberg (Retired, L53): 7/10
Nico Hulkenberg had a good run-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, consistently outpacing his illustrious new team mate and finishing Friday as the fastest of the non-Ferrari/Mercedes drivers. Unfortunately an engine mapping issue on the R.S.19 sabotaged his qualifying performance and he started from a seriously unrepresentative 17th place. Despite the setback he immediately gained six spots at the start of the race, and survived a light clash with his team mate at one point to set him on course to take sixth place. Except it was at that point that something went seriously 'bang' in the engine bay and forced him to pull over at turn 1, contributing to the triggering a safety car with four laps to go.
