The F1 winter tests ended in Bahrain.
McLaren mechanics had to work overtime. PDO
The three-day test session at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain ended, as expected, with a celebration for Red Bull.
The second driver of the stable was the fastest driver of the day Sergio Perezwho left the one with the softer tire Lewis Hamilton 0.4 seconds away.
Test lap times are known to tell you nothing. It is clear, however, that it is Red Bull who will defend their championship from a clear lead. The energy drink giant’s RB19 car copes with its task amazingly calmly and smartly.
Tellingly, Pérez’s final quote of 1.30.30 is actually even better than last year’s pole position time at this same track (Charles Leclerc1,30,558).
Ferrari seems to be the closest challenger, but even that is a safe distance away from Red Bull. On the other hand, Mercedes has not got its pieces in order, and probably won’t have time to join the fight for victory when the season starts next weekend in Bahrain.
The story continues after the picture
Valtteri Bottas flashed at the end of the test day in his Hollywood round. PDO
However, things are the worst for McLaren, which has suffered from reliability problems. The tests of the traditional F1 giant went badly. For example, the one who got the last shift Lando Norris spent the lion’s share of the afternoon twiddling his thumbs while the mechanics tried to figure out the car’s brake problems.
Valtteri Bottas the day was interrupted in the morning when the Alfa Romeo had to be replaced with a new power unit. If it is not taken into account, the Swiss team can also look forward to the season that begins.
At the end of the test, Bottas drove the third best lap time of the test day with film tires and a light car. Nastolainen even left the Ferrari duo behind.