Hamilton seeks confirmation of his own ability: 'Hasn't had to do this for years'.

Pressure on Verstappen

Red Bull Racing seemed the big favourite with Verstappen throughout the weekend in Bahrain. Verstappen topped the timesheet every session and was on pole for the race. In the race, however, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton outsmarted the competition. This is where Verstappen will have to learn from according to Damon Hill.

''Verstappen enjoyed this fight until the moment he got close and got DRS. There he bungled his chance to overtake. Verstappen will come out of this with the feeling that Lewis will not make it easy for him. He will have to work very hard to knock Lewis off the throne,'' said Damon Hill in the F1 Nation Podcast.

Hamilton wants to prove himself

For Hamilton, however, it was also a confirmation. The Briton already has seven world titles under his belt, but it is usually added that it is because he drives the best car. ''I loved that line when Hamilton said to Bono 'I can still do it Bono'. He's then looking for some kind of confirmation in his head that he really can still do it,'' said presenter Tom Clarkson.

''Hamilton has always been exceptional and it's great to see him when he needs to make the most of it. However, that hasn't been necessary for years. In recent years you were often told he won because he was in the best car. Lewis really needs this to show everyone that he has that extra gear. It will be interesting to see that'', concluded Hill.