The third free practice session (FP3) reveals that the initial stage of the 2024 Formula 1 season promises to be exciting. While Red Bull demonstrated speed, the other competitors are in a favorable position. Sainz showed the true pace of the Ferrari in a single lap, while Alonso’s second place brought hope to Aston Martin fans after a disappointing pre-season. Verstappen, on the other hand, achieved the third fastest time after just one attempt with soft tires. Red Bull focused on hard tires at the beginning of FP3 and did not use the full potential of their power unit. It is worth noting that Verstappen’s lap was affected by traffic at the start. The top three drivers were separated by just 0.238 seconds.
As we approach determining the hierarchy of the F1 grid in 2024, the first and second free practice sessions (FP1 and FP2) on Thursday brought some surprises. Hamilton and Russell, representing Mercedes, finished in first and second place, respectively, in the second practice, despite reports that Mercedes was showing the full potential of their engines. In contrast, Red Bull and Max Verstappen seem to have reduced the power of their Honda unit. Mercedes finds itself in a more favorable position than expected based on pre-season testing. We can expect to see the true potential of the RB20 today, especially considering its good performance in the race the day before. We hope that FP3 will give us a glimpse of that potential. One thing is certain: the qualifying in Bahrain later today will be extraordinary.
While Ferrari seems to be in a favorable position, McLaren is still an unknown, and Aston Martin is not far behind. Furthermore, just when we thought Christian Horner’s saga was over, a shocking revelation emerged, causing controversy once again. The alleged materials/evidence from the investigation caused great turmoil. However, for now, let’s focus on what really matters: the races!
The temperature in Bahrain remained lower than normal on the second day of practice. At the start of FP3, the ambient temperature was 20 degrees Celsius, while the track temperature reached 34 degrees Celsius. Despite the windy conditions, they were less severe compared to Thursday. The teams and drivers took their time before going out on the track, with almost ten minutes passing before any action began. Hamilton and Russell were the first to venture out, as teams sought to save tires and the lifespan of the power unit. It is important to note that qualifying will take place under significantly different conditions from FP3, happening in the late afternoon after sunset.
Hamilton set the initial time of the session, recording 1:32.733 with soft tires, over two seconds slower than his fastest time in Thursday’s FP2.
After 15 minutes, more drivers started to get into action. Sainz achieved the second fastest time behind Hamilton, while Leclerc took the first position on the timing screens on his first attempt, all with soft tires.
Magnussen quickly took the first position on the screens, 20 minutes after the start of the session, only to be surpassed by Stroll, who pushed him to second place. Norris secured the third fastest time on his first attempt. Perez, on the other hand, was in seventh place using the hard tires.
Russell soon became the fastest, surpassing the competition by half a second with soft tires. On the other hand, Verstappen chose to go out on hard tires on his first timed lap, which put him in 12th position, over a second and a half slower than Russell’s time, 1:31.821.
Alonso then surpassed Russell by over two tenths of a second with soft tires on his first fast lap of FP3 at the Sakhir Circuit, as did the other drivers.
After 30 minutes, the top ten positions were occupied by Alonso, Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen, Albon, Norris, Hamilton, and Ricciardo.
After their first laps, the cars returned to their respective garages to make adjustments and change tires in preparation for another outing.
32 minutes into FP3, Hamilton had a heavy brake lock-up entering turn 10, but managed to continue after a brief excursion to the run-off area.
With 15 minutes remaining, Perez showed the first glimpse of Red Bull’s speed by taking the first position with soft tires, surpassing Alonso’s time by over three tenths of a second.
Verstappen soon followed suit, also with soft tires, surpassing his teammate’s time by two tenths of a second. The Red Bulls strategically executed their fast laps later when the track conditions were more favorable.
However, Alonso quickly reclaimed the fastest time, surpassing Verstappen by less than a tenth of a second. Alonso was informed of his best time.
He responded, “I improved again, I feel connected to the car, it’s good.”
Norris then progressed and achieved the third fastest time, less than one and a half tenths slower than Alonso. However, Sainz soon set the fastest time, just five minutes before the end of the session.
The free practices marked the end of the session.
Report in progress…
© 2024
A new champion was crowned in the world of sports today. The incredible athlete, known for their exceptional skill and relentless determination, achieved the ultimate victory. With their spectacular performance, they left all fans ecstatic and proved to be truly the best.
The championship was a rollercoaster of emotions, with surprising twists and breathtaking moments. The competitors fought hard, but in the end, it was our champion’s undeniable talent that led them to glory.
Fans are celebrating, commemorating the historic achievement of this phenomenal athlete. Their dedication and hard work have finally been rewarded, and they now join the ranks of the great names in sports.
This championship is just the beginning of a brilliant journey for our champion. With their unwavering determination and exceptional skills, they are destined to achieve even more success in the future.
Congratulations to our new champion! We can’t wait to see what they will do next. The world of sports will never be the same.
