Oscar Piastri has admitted he still felt 'confident' of winning the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday - despite a safety car incident causing chaos.
After a collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz, Piastri saw a big lead wiped out in the Middle East - much to his dismay.
Fortunately, the Australian was still able to secure victory - with George Russell second and Lando Norris in third.
When asked about the unfortunate timing of the safety car, which happened when he was approaching the pits, Piastri said: "I would have preferred to not have it! But I was still pretty confident.
Oscar Piastri has admitted he still felt 'confident' of winning the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday - despite a safety car incident causing chaos
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"The pace was good and I knew Lando and I had a medium and that was the tyre to be on.
"You obviously just try to get a good restart. I was never going to let that one go."
On the victory, he added: "Great to have this result out here.
"It's been an incredible weekend starting with qualifying yesterday and finishing the job today in style is nice.
Oscar Piastri was impressive as he won the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday
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The Briton is yet to really hit top gear this season, despite challenging Max Verstappen for F1 title glory last time out.
Norris, reacting to the action, stated: "I didn't think I was that far forward. Nothing more than that.
"A tough race. I made too many mistakes with the overtakes, out of position [at the start]. "A messy race from me. Disappointed to not bring home a one-two for McLaren because that would have been lovely at home.
"A tough one but still a few positives."
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As for Mercedes star Russell, the Briton showed class by congratulating Piastri on his triumph.
"It was all under control for a moment and then suddenly we had a brake by wire failure" he said.
"So suddenly the pedal was going long and then it was going short so didn't know what was going on.
"The steering wheel wasn't working properly so it was really hard fought to keep Lando behind.
Lando Norris was only able to finish third in the Bahrain Grand Prix
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"I think one more lap he would have got me pretty comfortably but, nevertheless, really pleased with P2.
"Oscar was in a league of his own so congratulations to him and McLaren. For ourselves it's three podiums in four races all on different circuits, so it gives us confidence for the future."
