“Not the best start” for Bottas and Mercedes

While the 6L V1,6 turbo hybrids began their 8th campaign, and the chassis regulations were partially frozen, we hardly expected to see a team not complete at least the distance of a Grand Prix (57 laps in the case of Bahrain) on the evening of the first day of winter testing. 

We expected even less that the only team in this situation would be that of the seven-time world champions. And yet, Mercedes had to make do with 49 short rotations of the Sakhir route this Friday. 

Known for its foolproof reliability for years, the German team was betrayed by a gearbox problem. came from nowhere », says the main team Toto wolff. The unforeseen event and the subsequent repair condemned Valtteri Bottas at 3 o'clock in the garage and only 6 laps in the morning. 

Did Mercedes pay for its decision not to carry out promotional filming to offer a shakedown to its new creation ahead of pre-season testing? The W12 had never been driven before hitting the track this Friday morning, Wolff considering in particular that the climate in Silverstone (United Kingdom) was too inclement at this time of year. 

What nourishes some regrets in the clan of world champions? 

« It's very easy to say it after the fact, but yes of course, we would have made our arrangements beforehand if we had known, recognized Bottas at the microphone of F1 TV. In recent years, everything has been ultra-square and reliable and certain elements have been tested on the test bench. I'm sure we'll review the procedure next year. 

We were really looking forward to hitting the trail this morning. During the installation tour, we realized that there was a problem with the gearbox. We had to identify the cause and we had to change the box, which takes time. 

We managed to complete a few laps at the end of the morning and then there was a red flag (following the stop on the track of the Ferrari by Charles, Editor’s note). I was only able to do 6 laps, all with sensors intended to check the aero characteristics of the car. It's not the best start ». 

Bottas passed the baton to his teammate Lewis Hamilton after the lunch break. If the Briton had a more productive session with 42 laps, Mercedes was far from displaying its usual quiet strength. On several occasions, Hamilton found himself outside the limits of the track after untimely wheel locks. The Briton had to settle for 10th time, more than 2 full seconds behind the reference established by Max Verstappen (Red Bull).

Certainly, the conditions were not ideal with the arrival of a sandstorm in the afternoon in Bahrain but they did not seem to disrupt Etoile's rivals. Who may be starting to dream this evening.