Norris Sets the Pace as F1 Testing Begins in Bahrain, Audi Faces Early Setbacks
The Formula 1 World Championship kicked off its 2024 season with a compelling first day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, where Lando Norris of McLaren set the fastest time, eclipsing reigning champion Max Verstappen.
The opening day of track action provided a first glimpse of team preparations ahead of the season opener, but also highlighted early challenges for several teams, particularly newcomer Audi. While Norris’s blistering pace stole the headlines, issues plagued teams including Aston Martin, Mercedes, Alpine, and Racing Bulls, limiting their valuable track time.
Norris Leads the Way with McLaren Performance
Norris completed the 5.412-kilometer circuit in 1:34.669 minutes, utilizing the C2 tire compound just over an hour before the test concluded. This performance put him 0.129 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, who attempted to challenge on the softer C3 tire in the closing moments. Verstappen, driving the RB22 throughout the day, had already seen teammate Oscar Piastri setting competitive times earlier in the session.
Charles Leclerc secured third position for Ferrari, finishing over half a second behind Norris. Esteban Ocon of Haas F1 Team followed in fourth, with Piastri rounding out the top five.
Technical Troubles Hamper Several Teams
Beyond Norris’s impressive lap time, the day was marked by a series of technical issues. George Russell of Mercedes finished in sixth, but the team faced significant disruptions in the afternoon due to problems with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, hindering any attempts at a fast run. Lewis Hamilton, also driving in the morning session, ended the day in seventh.
Pierre Gasly managed to improve his time late in the day to secure eighth for Alpine, while Nico Hülkenberg navigated a minor issue to place ninth for Audi. Alex Albon completed the top ten, demonstrating strong early pace for Williams.
Williams Maximizes Track Time After Barcelona Absence
Williams, having missed the initial test in Barcelona, prioritized maximizing mileage in Bahrain. Carlos Sainz and Albon combined to complete a remarkable 145 laps, more than any other driver pairing on the day. This aggressive approach signals the team’s determination to catch up on lost ground.
Audi and Aston Martin Face Early Hurdles
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 experienced a less-than-smooth start. Similar to the Barcelona test, the team encountered a problem that, while not significantly delaying their schedule, underscored the challenges of integrating into the sport.
Aston Martin also struggled for consistent running. Lance Stroll completed only 33 laps in the morning, and a data anomaly forced an early end to his afternoon session after just three additional laps, resulting in a meager 36 laps total for the team.
Incidents and Red Flags Disrupt Testing
The day wasn’t without its interruptions. Two red flags briefly halted proceedings. Franco Colapinto of Alpine experienced an issue after less than two hours, rolling to a stop, while Nico Hülkenberg caused the second interruption at 2:31 PM Central European Time with a technical problem on the approach to the final corner. Fortunately, Hülkenberg was quickly able to return to the track after 23 minutes.
Audi showcased a significantly redesigned car compared to their Barcelona appearance, particularly with altered side pods. A spin by Lewis Hamilton was the most notable on-track incident, alongside numerous instances of drivers locking up their brakes in turn 10.
Formula 1 test drives in Bahrain: results from day 1
| P. | Driver | Team | Time | Residue | Tires | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NORRIS, Lando | McLaren | 1:34.669 | C2 | 58 | |
| 2 | VERSTAPPEN, Max | Red Bull Racing | 1:34.798 | 0.129 | C3 | 136 |
| 3 | LECLERC, Charles | Ferrari | 1:35.190 | 0.521 | C3 | 80 |
| 4 | OCON, Esteban | Haas F1 Team | 1:35.578 | 0.909 | C3 | 115 |
| 5 | PIASTRI, Oscar | McLaren | 1:35.602 | 0.933 | C3 | 54 |
| 6 | RUSSELL, George | Mercedes | 1:36.108 | 1.439 | C3 | 56 |
| 7 | HAMILTON, Lewis | Ferrari | 1:36.433 | 1.764 | C3 | 52 |
| 8 | GASLY, Pierre | Alpine | 1:36.765 | 2.096 | C3 | 49 |
| 9 | HULKENBERG, Nico | Audi | 1:36.861 | 2.192 | C3 | 73 |
| 10 | ALBON, Alexander | Williams | 1:37.437 | 2.768 | C3 | 68 |
| 11 | ANTONELLI, Kimi | Mercedes | 1:37.629 | 2.960 | C1 | 30 |
| 12 | LINDBLAD, Arvid | Racing Bulls | 1:37.945 | 3.276 | C3 | 75 |
| 13 | SAINZ, Carlos | Williams | 1:38.221 | 3.552 | C3 | 77 |
| 14 | PEREZ, Sergio | Cadillac | 1:38.828 | 4.159 | C2 | 58 |
| 15 | BORTOLETO, Gabriel | Audi | 1:38.871 | 4.202 | C2 | 49 |
| 16 | BOTTAS, Valtteri | Cadillac | 1:39.150 | 4.481 | C1 | 49 |
| 17 | STROLL, Lance | Aston Martin | 1:39.883 | 5.214 | C2 | 36 |
| 18 | COLAPINTO, Franco | Alpine | 1:40.330 | 5.661 | C2 | 28 |
The opening day in Bahrain provided a tantalizing glimpse of the competitive landscape to come, with McLaren and Lando Norris setting the early benchmark. However, the numerous technical challenges faced by several teams suggest a long road ahead as they refine their machines for the 2024 Formula 1 season.
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