Should we trust winter tests?

Between dress rehearsal and big bluff, winter tests have always been very difficult to analyze. If the times and the visual impressions should be approached with great caution, the previous winter sessions have nevertheless proven that the truth of spring is never far from the reality of winter.

Published on 25/02/2023 à 11:08

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Lots of sightings in Bahrain... © Florent Gooden / DPPI

“Like Saint Thomas, I only believe what I see.” This Cartesian motto probably makes sense in many areas, but certainly not when it comes to winter testing in Formula 1. Every year, the same question comes up repeatedly. Should we trust what we see during pre-season testing? Which teams are revealed? Who is hiding his game? So many questions which generally remained without clear answers until the first qualification of the year, when everyone took off their masks and let go of their horses.

The 8 hours of daily winter driving for three days are in fact so many possibilities for the teams not to run at the same time as each other, or in disparate conditions of temperature, grip and weight. The programs differ enormously from one team to another, with some being able to participate in qualifying rounds.