'With the Verstappen of old, fight in Bahrain could have ended differently'

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were well matched during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The two drivers battled each other plenty on the track and also during free practice and qualifying the rivals were often close to each other. Jolyon Palmer enjoyed the fight and hopes that the respect between the two will remain for the rest of the season.

It is certainly not the first time Verstappen and Leclerc have met on the track. In 2019, the Red Bull and Ferrari driver also fought each other in an epic battle in Austria and Silverstone.

In Bahrain, it was touch and go again. The two drivers battled for laps until Verstappen blocked his wheels and had to distance himself. The new cars clearly allow more when it comes to overtaking and following other cars around the track. Former Formula One driver Palmer praised the two drivers for their fair and respectful racing.

Fight could have ended differently

"If Verstappen was racing Leclerc as he did in Austria in 2019, or with Hamilton for much of last year, the battle could have ended on Lap 17, and in more acrimony. The Verstappen of old would probably have sent in a lunge back on Leclerc into Turn 4, the first time the Monegasque driver came back past him," he says in his column for Formula1.com.

The stewards have been clearer with their expectations this year. There should be enough room left in on-track battles. According to Palmer, Verstappen may not have wanted to risk everything in the first round of the season yet, but unfortunately the Dutchman leaves for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix with zero points after his retirement.