Formula One preseason testing kicked off in Bahrain with Max Verstappen leading the charge on day one. The three-time world champion dominated both the morning and afternoon practices, setting a lap time that put him almost a second ahead of his closest competitor.
Max Verstappen’s debut in the Red Bull was nothing short of spectacular, as he showcased his skill and speed by setting a lap time that separated him from the competition by more than two seconds. Lando Norris of McLaren came in second, with Carlos Sainz of Ferrari close behind in third, trailing by just 0.14 seconds.
It’s important to note that lap times in testing can often be misleading due to various factors such as fuel load, track conditions, and tire choices. However, Verstappen’s performance on track was undeniably impressive, showcasing the potential of the Red Bull team heading into the upcoming season.
Red Bull had a phenomenal 2023 season, winning 21 out of 22 races, making them the team to beat in the upcoming season. The new RB20, described as an evolution of last year’s model, has garnered praise from all corners of the pit lane for the improvements and changes it incorporates.
During testing, several teams opted for a two-driver configuration, but Verstappen spent the entire day behind the wheel of the Red Bull, completing a staggering 143 laps without encountering any major issues. His race engineer, Giampiero Lambiase, was all smiles in the garage as Verstappen put in quick lap times consistently.
Testing provides teams with the opportunity to fine-tune their cars before the start of the season, but the results should be taken with a grain of salt due to the many variables at play. The Bahrain International Circuit, where testing is taking place over the next three days, will also host the season opener on March 2nd, adding an extra layer of significance to the testing sessions.
Mercedes, one of Red Bull’s main competitors, took a different approach to testing, focusing on setup adjustments and longer runs on harder tires. Their driver George Russell finished twelfth on the first day, showcasing a different testing strategy compared to some of the other teams.
Williams had a challenging start to testing, with both of their drivers facing issues throughout the day. Logan Sargeant had driveshaft problems that limited his track time, while Alex Albon had to retire early due to a fuel pump malfunction. Despite the setbacks, both drivers were able to gain valuable insight into the performance of the car.
As the first day of testing came to a close, the lap times revealed the hierarchy among the teams. Verstappen’s blistering pace put him at the top of the timesheets, followed by Norris, Sainz, and Ricciardo. The rest of the field had varying degrees of success, with some teams struggling to find the right setup and balance for their cars.
Overall, day one of preseason testing in Bahrain set the stage for an exciting season ahead. With teams working hard to uncover any weaknesses in their cars and drivers pushing the limits on track, the competition is sure to be fierce in the upcoming races. Fans can look forward to an action-packed season as the teams continue to fine-tune their cars in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.
