The Bahrain Grand Prix, which marks the beginning of the Formula 1 season, is underway and the first day of practice brought some surprising results. Our team composed of Scott Mitchell-Malm, Edd Straw, and Samarth Kanal was present in Bahrain, gathering information directly from the track and the pits. Here’s what they found:
During the Friday evening session, Mercedes showed impressive speed on a single lap. Even the drivers themselves were a bit surprised by their performance. George Russell mentioned that they still need to understand why the car was so good and that the changes made since the tests exceeded expectations. The initial order based on the pace of a single lap was Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Haas, Williams, RB, Alpine, and Sauber. However, the situation changed when it came to long-run data.
In terms of long-run pace, Red Bull, especially Max Verstappen, took the lead, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the two Mercedes drivers, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, and the two Ferrari drivers. Our track observations indicated that Red Bull seemed to be the most consistent, while Mercedes seemed more inconsistent. Although the FP2 times may not accurately reflect the final grid for the grand prix, this brief glimpse of the qualifying order suggests an intriguing opening weekend, with Red Bull still having the advantage where it matters.
Regardless of their position in the competitive order, Mercedes has achieved its main goal since last year. They have successfully resolved the rear instability issue, as stated by George Russell. This confidence in their improvement is supported by the car’s performance on the track. Although it may not be on the same level as Red Bull, it provides consistent performance that allows the drivers to be aggressive on corner entries. Mercedes has also made progress in understanding the ideal car setup, although it is not yet perfect.
Alpine faced significant challenges before the Bahrain GP. The car was difficult to drive, and the team failed to meet some deadlines. The expectations were that Alpine would be at the back of the grid, and the FP2 results confirmed that. The car struggled with track undulations and lacked consistent balance, making it visibly slower compared to its rivals. Alpine has a lot of work to do, including weight reduction, understanding the modified mechanical platform, and improving aerodynamics. However, there is still hope for improvement.
McLaren’s progress during the winter was somewhat disappointing. The MCL38 is an improvement over its predecessor but still has weaknesses in low-speed corners. This was evident during testing and on Thursday in Bahrain. Lando Norris seemed to have more difficulties than Oscar Piastri in the second free practice. Despite the challenges, McLaren showed good pace, with Piastri being the fifth fastest and having the best long-run performance in FP2. However, Norris’ dissatisfaction with the car suggests that McLaren is not entirely satisfied with its current performance. Updates are already underway to address these issues.
The Williams team faced significant challenges during the winter. The technological review of the FW46 chassis resulted in fundamental problems, and some of their processes were outdated. The car’s construction was managed using a manual Excel spreadsheet, and there were cases of physically searching for parts in the factory. However, Williams managed to overcome these obstacles and get the car ready for the track. The team still has a long way to go in terms of modernization and improvement, but their efforts are commendable.
There were questions about the legality of Mercedes’ innovative front wing during testing in Bahrain. However, FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, clarified that the wing had no issues and passed all inspections. He also denied the need to take action against the use of externally blown aerodynamics by teams. Formula 1 has promised changes in this year’s broadcast, including new graphics, cameras, and more use of augmented reality. These improvements aim to provide viewers with better information and enhance their viewing experience.
Paddy Lowe, former technical chief of Formula 1, has returned to the sport after five years. He is now part of Zero Petroleum, a company specializing in synthetic fuels. Zero Petroleum has partnered with Sauber and aims to communicate the progress made in synthetic fuel technology. The focus is on achieving sustainability goals, starting with the team’s facilities and energy use. Although there are currently no plans to use Zero synthetic fuel in the car, that is a possibility in the future, as fully synthetic fuels are being considered for the 2026 regulations.
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo made a triumphant return to Manchester United last Saturday. The Portuguese player scored two goals in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Ronaldo, who returned to the club after 12 years, was applauded by the fans and showed that he still has a lot to offer on the field.
Ronaldo’s first goal came in the 45th minute of the first half when he took advantage of a cross and headed it into the back of the net. The second goal came in the 62nd minute, in an individual play where he dribbled past two defenders and finished with precision. The other goals for Manchester United were scored by Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard.
The victory took Manchester United to the top of the Premier League with 10 points in four games. Ronaldo, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, showed that he can still make a difference at a high level. His presence on the field brought a new energy to the team and the fans.
In addition to scoring goals, Ronaldo also showed his ability to create plays and help his teammates. His experience and leadership are valuable for Manchester United, who aim to win titles this season. The signing of the Portuguese player was a big boost for the club, who hope to compete for major trophies again.
Manchester United fans are excited about Cristiano Ronaldo’s return and believe that he can be the player who will take the club back to the top. Ronaldo has already won several titles throughout his career, including the Champions League and the European Championship. His presence in the team brings confidence and motivation to the players and the fans.
Manchester United’s next challenge will be against West Ham next Saturday. The fans hope that Ronaldo continues to shine and help the team secure another victory. The football star’s return to the club has been a success so far, and everyone is excited to see what he can still achieve this season.
