F3: Hadjar wins on debut after Bearman handed penalty

Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar enjoyed a dream start to his Formula 3 career in the Sprint Race at Sakhir as the Hitech Grand Prix rookie claimed a maiden win after on-track winner Oliver Bearman was handed a post-race penalty for violating track limits.

Ferrari junior Bearman led the majority of the race after moving past reverse grid pole-sitter Zak O’Sullivan in the early stages and took the chequered flag first.

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However, the Stewards handed the Ferrari junior a five-second time penalty moments after crossing the line, which demoted him to second and handed Hadjar victory.

The fight for the podium positions was fierce, but the final spot went to MP Motorsport’s Alex Smolyar, who utilised his three years of experience to come out on top of a battle with Barbadian rookie Zane Maloney – who took the fastest lap - and Ferrari junior Arthur Leclerc.

Burning out his rubber in his attempts to retain the lead, O’Sullivan had to settle for sixth at the flag, ahead of Alpine Academy driver Caio Collet and American Kaylen Frederick. ART Grand Prix’s Juan Manuel Correa and Campos rookie David Vidales completed the top 10.

After taking pole in Friday’s qualifying, Van Amersfoort Racing’s Franco Colapinto will start at the head of the field in the first Feature Race of the year on Sunday, 1145 local time.

For the full report, results and more news, visit the official F3 website.