The 2024 Components 1 season is true across the nook, and pre-season testing at Bahrain gave us a glimpse at what to anticipate over the subsequent 24 races.
The outcomes of testing don’t imply an entire lot, with groups utilizing totally different methods to get a really feel for his or her automotive for the brand new season. Some groups didn’t place concentrate on single lap tempo, however fairly on tempo all through a race stint.
Haas’ Quest for Race Tempo
Haas was operating excessive gasoline masses for a lot of testing, as they appeared to resolve their horrific tire put on that made their race tempo the worst in F1. Because of this, the workforce was not targeted on single lap efficiency, however fairly how their tires held up over a run.
Nico Hulkenberg, coming into his second season driving for Haas, voiced optimism on this entrance.
“If I evaluate the automotive to final 12 months, it does really feel higher and like we’ve made a step in the suitable route.”
This sentiment was shared by Kevin Magnussen and new workforce principal Ayao Komatsu. Nevertheless, the extent to which Haas has improved their race tempo is but to be seen.
RB Turns Some Heads
Visa Money App RB, previously AlphaTauri, flashed a powerful quantity of single lap tempo. RB was on observe to have the second quickest lap time on day two, till visitors acquired in the best way. RB completed within the prime 5 the next day.
Daniel Ricciardo has confused the necessity to handle expectations, however early returns are promising. Reviews of huge midseason upgrades within the pipeline present additional optimism that RB might solidify themselves on the entrance of the midfield.
The Battle for P2 is Tight
Final 12 months featured a captivating battle for second within the workforce standings. Mercedes and Ferrari had been within the battle per regular, with a shock look from Aston Martin. McLaren even managed to hitch the battle in the course of the season. 4 groups, every with totally different paths to get there, battled for that second spot.
In the long run, Mercedes took the spot. But when testing has taught us something, 2023 was solely the primary chapter to this battle.
Ferrari has proven some spectacular race tempo all through testing, making some consider they’ve the sting for now. This might be fairly the turnaround for Ferrari, contemplating race tempo was their undoing towards Mercedes final season.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell each mentioned the Mercedes W15 felt higher than its predecessor. The workforce targeted totally on race tempo all through testing, however nonetheless managed to be prime three on the timesheets the final two days. Mercedes is assured they’ve a a lot better platform to construct from in comparison with the W13 and W14.
McLaren and Aston Martin each appear to have maintained their place within the battle for second, however to what extent is unknown. Regardless of early optimism for Ferrari and Mercedes, a transparent rating of the 4 groups gained’t be recognized till after the primary race.
Pink Bull Reigns
Any questions on whether or not Pink Bull was proper to radically develop their already dominant automotive appear to have been dashed. The Pink Bull has dominated in each single lap and race tempo all through testing.
All groups are in settlement that Pink Bull is forward. However simply how far forward are they? The reply to that may play an enormous function in how the 2024 F1 season transpires.
Testing is over, now all focus is on race one. The Bahrain Grand Prix will kick issues off subsequent Saturday.
Picture courtesy of F1.com
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