Winter testing, Day 1 – Max Verstappen and Red Bull already knock out the competition

The reigning world champions had no trouble regaining first position on this day of the launch of the 2024 pre-season tests in Sakhir. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) achieved the 5th time.

Published on 21/02/2024 à 17:11

Medhi Casaurang

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Winter testing, Day 1 – Max Verstappen and Red Bull already knock out the competition

© Florent Gooden / DPPI

Winter testing classification F1 2024, Bahrain – Day 1:

 

  • The year 2024 begins identically to 2023 and 2022. Red Bull Racing and their strong man, Max Verstappen, left with a head start if we judge by the results of this first day of winter testing in Sakhir (Bahrain), this Wednesday February 21.
  • Not only was the three-time Dutch world champion the hardest-working man on the track of the day (142 laps completed, 21 more than George Russell who was the only other driver to have driven in the morning and afternoon ). But in addition, Verstappen rejected the McLaren de Lando Norris (2nd beat), beyond the second!
  • Team Williams encountered the most problems. A fuel pump problem caused Alex to stop Albon in the morning, while in the afternoon, Logan sargeant damaged his mount by spinning.
  • Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) set the 3rd time just 1 tenth behind Lando Norris. He is ahead Daniel Ricciardo (RB) then the French Pierre Gasly (Alpine), whose time gives some reason for hope to the supporters of the French team. However, we had to wait until the very end of the session for the Norman to climb into the top 5, because as well Esteban Ocon that his teammate was sailing in the second half of the table for most of the day.
  • The winter tests in Bahrain continue Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 13 p.m. to 17 p.m. mainland France time. These tests can be followed in live text on AUTOhebdo.fr.

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Medhi Casaurang

Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!

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J

Jacques Morin

21/02/2024 at 07:19 a.m.

And for the moment, no "Visa Cash RB" on the TV producer's synths, but RB for Toro Rosso-Minardi and RedBull Racing for Red-Bull England. No Stake either but Kick Sauber. The chassis names therefore remain "decent".

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J

Jacques Morin

21/02/2024 at 07:13 a.m.

To Alpine , it should also be noted that Ocon drove exclusively on hard tires and that Gasly only switched to mediums at the end of the session, while most of the others did almost the entire session on mediums. His Majesty Max's time at 1"5 is therefore not bad compared to the performances of his other comrades... but these are only the pre-season tests, even if they already indicate the risk of a tough battle for... second place!

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