F1 Testing: Mercedes Leads, Red Bull Delayed as Teams Prepare for New Season
A promising start to Formula 1 pre-season testing saw Mercedes set the pace, while red Bull faced delays awaiting crucial parts. the initial “shakedown” test, held on Thursday, provided valuable data for teams as they adapt to a new set of regulations ahead of the 2024 season.
Early Impressions and Mileage Accumulation
Several teams, including Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Racing Bulls, and Cadillac, were active on the track.Ferrari experienced a minor incident wiht Lewis Hamilton spinning out of Turn 10, but the seven-time champion and teammate Charles Leclerc collectively completed an impressive 170 laps. Hamilton expressed optimism, stating, “Nice to get out in the dry. It was great to be able to understand the tyres… [and get] a bit of an understanding as to where the car is at.” He further noted the team’s improved planning compared to the previous year, adding, “I did 85 laps in the morning, which is amazing. Last year we had a worse start to testing so considering this is a new set of rules it is better than in the past.” The focus remains on maximizing mileage and gathering data on the new engine and aerodynamic components.
McLaren Faces Early Setback
McLaren’s day was cut short after Oscar Piastri managed 48 laps before a fuel-system issue arose.A technical director explained the team’s proactive approach, stating, “The car is very complex so we decided to bring it back and strip it down to understand where it was coming from.” This highlights the intricate nature of modern Formula 1 machinery and the importance of thorough diagnostics during testing.
Mercedes Demonstrates Strong Performance
mercedes concluded its testing allocation with a strong showing, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli achieving the fastest lap times and completing a combined 168 laps. Russell described the test as “very positive,” emphasizing the team’s focus on accumulating mileage. he also reported a meaningful improvement in car handling, noting, “The car is feeling nice to drive, no major issues, no porpoising – which is pretty good news for all of us.”
Understanding Porpoising
Russell’s mention of porpoising refers to an aerodynamic instability that plagued teams from 2022-2025, causing high-speed bouncing due to disrupted airflow under the car. The new car designs are intended to mitigate this issue, and early indications suggest success in that regard. However, Russell cautioned, “the car has been working well, but it is not about how well it works, it is about how swift it goes around the track and we don’t really have an indication of that at the moment.” He anticipates further growth and upgrades before the season opener.
Red Bull Awaits Parts, Lap Times Remain Unrepresentative
Red Bull was unable to participate on Thursday due to a delay in receiving spare parts, but hopes to resume testing on Friday. It’s critically important to note that lap times during this “shakedown” test are not indicative of true performance. Teams are deliberately not revealing their full programs, and variables such as fuel load, engine modes, and tire compounds substantially impact lap times.
Looking Ahead to Bahrain and Australia
Two further pre-season tests are scheduled in Bahrain from February 11-13 and 18-20, before the opening Grand Prix in Australia from March 6-8. These sessions will be crucial for refining car setups and validating performance improvements. Teams are expected to introduce upgrades as they fine-tune their machines for the competitive season ahead.
