McLaren junior Norris takes dominant maiden F2 victory

McLaren protégé Lando Norris lived up to his pre-season billing by starting the 2018 Formula 2 campaign with a dominant win in Bahrain. The much-hyped teenager led throughout from pole position to take victory by seven seconds from his Carlin team-mate Sergio Sette Camara, who just held off a thrilling charge by Artem Markelov.

Markelov raced to a podium finish after starting in the pit lane, battling with anyone in his way in a thrilling show of overtaking prowess.

Ahead of him, Norris was hugely impressive, opening up a massive lead by the first corner thanks to an electric getaway, while fellow Briton, and Mercedes junior, George Russell made a woeful start in the Prema.

Russell attempted an early pitstop to undercut his rivals after dropping down the field, but he ultimately finished fifth after a set-to with Alexander Albon.

While Norris' victory was utterly serene as he pulled gaps up to 10 seconds at times, behind him there was often chaos.

Ladies and gentleman, your @FIA_F2 Bahrain race winner, @LandoNorris! ???? ???????? pic.twitter.com/BhgDKXiZTQ — McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 7, 2018

Markelov was involved in spectacular battles with Jack Aitken, Maximilian Gunther and Russell, although he saved the most eye-popping for last.

Looking to take second from Sette Camara, the Russian Renault junior pulled to the inside, only for Brazilian Sette Camara to keep his cool and sweep back below, having ceded the corner early.

Though Markelov tried to fight back, he had to settle for third - though it was no mean feat.

Gunther will start Sunday's sprint race on pole, having finished eighth - the top eight from Saturday races are flipped on the grid come Sundays.

After his dominant win from pole, all eyes will be on Norris to see if the 18-year-old can shine in wheel-to-wheel action.