Day 1 of Final Pre-Season Testing Wraps in Bahrain
The first day of F1's final pre-season test in Bahrain saw George Russell set the pace for Mercedes, while Max Verstappen's Red Bull demonstrated formidable reliability by completing the most laps. Ferrari lost track time due to a drain cover incident, and Alpine faced a challenging start with limited running.
The final three-day pre-season test in Bahrain concluded its first day, offering the first true glimpse of 2024 car performance on the same track that will host the season opener next week. Teams focused on data collection and long-run simulations, with Mercedes' George Russell setting the fastest lap time, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen logged the most laps in a seemingly reliable RB20.
Why it matters:
This test is the final and most critical opportunity for teams to validate their cars before the competitive lights go out. Performance here, especially in race-simulation conditions under the Bahrain sun, provides the clearest indicator yet of the early pecking order. Any lingering reliability gremlins or performance deficits discovered now leave minimal time for fixes before points are on the line.
The Details:
- Mercedes Shows Pace: George Russell topped the timesheets for Mercedes, completing 122 laps. His best time, set on the C4 compound tire, was nearly a second faster than McLaren's Lando Norris in second. The W15 showed promising signs of improved handling, a key focus after two difficult seasons.
- Red Bull's Reliability: Reigning champion Max Verstappen, driving the radically redesigned RB20, finished third on the timesheet but completed a mammoth 143 laps—the most of any driver. This trouble-free mileage is a strong signal of reliability and allowed for extensive data gathering.
- Ferrari's Mixed Day: Carlos Sainz finished fourth fastest for Ferrari, but the team's running was interrupted by a loose drain cover that damaged his SF-24's floor, causing a red flag and costing valuable track time. Charles Leclerc will take over driving duties for the second day.
- McLaren's Solid Start: Lando Norris put McLaren second on the timing screen, reporting positive feelings about the updated MCL38. The team concentrated on aerodynamic tests and understanding the new car's balance.
- Alpine Struggles: Alpine had a difficult day, with Esteban Ocon managing only 60 laps and finishing at the bottom of the timesheets. The team cited "several issues" that disrupted their run plan, putting them on the back foot with only two testing days remaining.
What's next:
Testing continues with the second of three days on Thursday. Drivers will swap seats, with Lewis Hamilton taking over the Mercedes and Charles Leclerc getting his first taste of the Ferrari SF-24. Teams will shift focus towards qualifying simulations and fine-tuning race setups, offering further clues about the true competitive hierarchy just one week before the first Grand Prix of 2024.