It started with a puff of smoke; it ended with a cracked exhaust pipe.

Red Bull showed incredible pace in Bahrain, but reliability issues hindered them in a race they should have won.

Sebastian Vettel was comfortably leading the race before his exhaust problems lost him his power, and he was consequently passed by both Ferrari’s and Lewis Hamilton. He should have picked up 25 points; he ended up with 12, though it could have been even worse as Niko Rosberg was rapidly catching him.

Mark Webber’s engine let off a great deal of smoke into the first corner, causing fears of a blown engine, but it wasn’t that serious. However, the incident left him behind Michael Schumacher and he was held up, ending any chance of a competitive race.

It leaves Red Bull fourth in the Constructors’ Championship at this very early stage, but Christian Horner’s team will be much happier than McLaren and Mercedes after the first race.

They showed they have the pace to challenge Ferrari with Vettel out-qualifying both red cars and pulling away in the early stages. He will know he has the equipment to beat Fernando Alonso.

Webber was held up throughout the entire race, but he managed to post the third-fastest lap-time. The Australian will be sick of the sight of the rear of Jenson Button’s McLaren.

However, the positives will not make up for this missed opportunity. This was their chance to get one over Ferrari, in what looks to be the key-clash this season.

Red Bull are already at a disadvantage. Brawn GP showed last year how key a good start to the season can be.

They may have one of the best, if not the best, car on the grid, but if they cannot complete a Grand Prix without a mechanical fault they can kiss winning any titles goodbye. It cost them last year, it already has again.

The legendary commentator Murray Walker once said:

“To finish first, first you have to finish.”

Well, Red Bull need to finish without any problems if they are to finish first on a consistent basis.

They can at least be consoled by the fact they are more likely to challenge than McLaren and Mercedes in Australia in two weeks time.

Vettel may still be one of the favourites to win the World Drivers’ Championship, but he has his work cut out to beat Alonso and those darn Ferrari’s.

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