For Day 1 Highlights CLICK HERE
For Day 2 Highlights CLICK HERE
The final day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit came to a close Friday afternoon as Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc topped the timesheets ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and the Kick Sauber of Zhou Guanyu. However, it was Red Bull that was once again the talk of the paddock as they completed yet another day of near perfect running, only hampered early on by another loose drain cover that temporarily delayed running for all teams as circuit officials set to work repairing the area.
Long runs competitive, tire degradation “on another planet”
Ferrari was thrilled with their final day of running as their driver pair combined for 145 laps of trouble-free running. After the testing woes of 2023 that revealed the SF23’s fatal tire degradation issues, the Scuderia were pleasantly surprised to find that this years challenger was significantly improved and their long run pace and form showed tremendous improvement. However, this isn’t without compromise as both Sainz and LeClerc commented on the SF24’s rear end “surrendering” downforce at high speeds with cross winds, making the car difficult and tricky on the limit.
Despite the issues still present, the current SF24 bodes well for the team and the Tifosi should be optimistic about the realistic chances to challenge Red Bull during races, rather than outright one-lap pace only.
Adrian Newey’s Monster
If the talk is any indication then Red Bull are still the team to beat, and not by a small margin. Focusing heavily on long runs for the third day, both Max Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez echoed each others sentiments that the RB20’s performance was strong and that the car was easy to adapt and get comfortable with. With an average 0.2 second delta in lap time ahead of both the Ferrari and Mercedes, the RB20 continues to set the precedent that Adrian Newey is not resting anytime soon.
Check the below link for highlights and follow us for more Formula 1 content as teams regroup after completing testing for the opening round of the 2024 season in Bahrain with the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX at the Bahrain International Circuit. Unlike previous years, this years season opener will be on a Saturday under the lights. The full weekend schedule is below with all times linked to local circuit time.
VIDEO: Highlights from Day 3 in Bahrain
The full weekend schedule is below with all times linked to local circuit time.
