2014 Bahrain Grand Prix: Hamilton wins, Rosberg fights and Perez gets a podium finish

With the silver arrows locking out the No.1 and 2 slot at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it looked like Rosberg would lead from start to finish, but it was Hamiltons day as he, in the very first lap itself, passed the pole position winner and lead the race throughout. This is Hamiltons first win at Bahrain and his second consecutive win in this season.

Hamilton built up the lead to almost 14 seconds off Rosberg and looked pretty clear that he couldn't go wrong from there. But at the 42nd lap, due to a collision between Gutierrez and Maldonaldo, the safety car was brought into action and Hamilton's hard work was all about to fizzle in the closing laps of the race. With everyone catching up, Hamiltons lead was in serious trouble as team mate Nico Rosberg closed in.

With the safety car out of the way and 9 laps to go, Rosberg found pace and the two silver arrows were at each other's throats. There was no directive from the team in the pits and the excitement continued as Rosberg piled on the pressure. Meanwhile it was Force India's Sergio Perez who knew that a podium place was in sight and he went for it. Hamilton defended his first place brilliantly and took his car to the chequered flag. Rosberg came in a close second and it was the Perez that came in third.

But it is the surge of Daniel Ricciardo that must have pleased every Australian and Vettel-basher, as he went past the defending World Champion and then past Hulkenberg to gather his share of points as he came in fourth (mind you he started in 12th place).

For those who thought that F1 had become boring and too predictable, well this race proved otherwise.