The first round of preseason testing in Bahrain, lasting three days, concluded successfully thanks to the efforts of all teams. The Mercedes drivers achieved an impressive lap time of 1 minute 33 seconds, showcasing their strong competitive edge. However, the Aston Martin team faced several challenges that hindered their testing plans.
On the final day of testing, 17 drivers hit the track. Despite facing numerous challenges in the first two days, Mercedes, having changed their power unit, saw improved conditions that allowed both drivers to fully experience qualifying and race modes. By the end of the day, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton delivered outstanding performances, becoming the only two drivers to clock a time of 1 minute 33 seconds. Nevertheless, team principal Toto Wolff remained cautious, and Russell mentioned that there was still a need for observation.
Meanwhile, Mercedes’s fierce competitor Red Bull opted for a low-key testing strategy, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar clocking a best lap time of just 1 minute and 35 seconds, focusing more on data collection. On the Racing Bulls front, Liam Lawson smoothly completed 119 laps, showcasing the team’s stability. When it comes to the technical regulations of the power unit, both teams are still on the lookout for opportunities, all while demonstrating a fiercely competitive spirit.
As for Ferrari’s power unit, despite the Cadillac team facing numerous issues, both Ferrari and Haas showcased relatively stable performances during this test. Veteran Hamilton and Haas’s Oliver Bearman each clocked a lap time of 1:34, having completed over 130 laps each, positioning the Haas team as the standout performer among the lower-tier teams.
For Aston Martin, the difficulties faced on this day seemed to intensify. The vehicle driven by Lance Stroll managed only 63 laps due to abnormal data from the Honda power unit, with the fastest lap trailing almost 4.7 seconds behind. Meanwhile, other teams had already started practicing various racing modes, while Aston Martin was still testing their aerodynamic package, leaving team leader Fernando Alonso’s mood seemingly fluctuating.
Overall, it will take some time to digest the data from these three days. The next round of testing is expected to return to the Bahrain circuit from February 18 to 20, focusing on aerodynamic setups for the opening week of the new season and practicing various race modes. This will provide fans and teams with a clearer outlook for the season ahead.
