In Bahrain, the McLaren is the slowest single-seater on the straights

For the moment, the fourth meeting of the season of Formula 1, in Bahrain, is largely dominated by McLaren. Far from the competitors in Free Practice, it is difficult to predict any other team than the British team for the first two places in qualifying. Yet, interestingly, the McLarens are the slowest single-seaters on the straights.

Oscar piastri set the best time in FP2, during which at the end of the long straight of the Sakhir circuit, his car was flashed at 319 km/h. In comparison, the Haas of Ollie Bearman peaked at 332 km/h and the Mercedes George Russell's 326 km/h. This difference is explained by a choice made by the British team: with a setting optimizing the aerodynamic load, the MCL39 performs well in corners but, as a result of its high downforce, loses a little top speed.

So far, this strategy has been working for the papaya-powered cars, which are outpacing the competition on the clock. However, it remains to be seen whether this tactic will be as effective on Sunday, as Bahrain is a circuit where overtaking is common, particularly in the three DRS zones.

A risky bet for McLaren?

For qualifying (18:00 p.m. French time), the McLarens' setup should put them in a good position to secure the front row, as their pace has seemed high since Friday. As a reminder, Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in FP3, 6 tenths ahead of his teammate. Lando Norris and 8 tenths on the Ferrari de Charles Leclerc.

However, the configuration of the orange cars, which favors high downforce, raises questions. Last week, the results of the Japanese Grand Prix were dictated by the qualifying performances. Due to a new asphalt, not allowing for much tire degradation and therefore disparities in pace, the demanding Suzuka circuit was not the scene of a great spectacle and overtaking was rare. On the Sakhir circuit, things should be different since it combines all the ingredients for a lively race (several DRS zones, long straights, abrasive asphalt, therefore significant tire degradation).

In these conditions, the McLarens could be in danger if the rivals manage to nestle into their DRS zone. Thus, the Woking team's objective will certainly be to open up a sufficient gap from the start of the Grand Prix, but this strategy assumes starting from the front row because if the McLaren drivers fail to confirm their car's dominance in the exercise, they could struggle to overtake during the race.

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