After three days of flawless performance and a general consensus that all teams made significant progress during pre-season, it is evident that Red Bull, the current Formula 1 world champion, remains the team to beat. Once again, they have set the standard with their RB20 car.
Here are the statements from the drivers and team representatives after the Formula 1 tests in Bahrain:
Team Report: The pre-Bahrain Grand Prix test period, which marks the start of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, concluded tonight at the Bahrain International Circuit under artificial lights. Scuderia Ferrari completed an impressive 423 laps, covering a distance of 2,257 kilometers, equivalent to over seven Grand Prix races. On the last day alone, they completed 149 laps, covering 806.4 kilometers.
Charles Leclerc: “We have completed our third day of testing and are pleased with the number of laps we have done and the variety of tests we have carried out. The car is responding well to our expectations, although it is still challenging to determine its level of competitiveness at this stage. However, we can confidently say that we have made progress compared to last year. Now, our focus is solely on the next race, and I am looking forward to getting back on track next week.”
Carlos Sainz: “We made one final push here in Sakhir, making the most of these last laps before we move on to the official Bahrain Grand Prix next week. Overall, it was a productive day, despite the minor interruption caused by the red flag. I really enjoyed every lap in the car today. We tried out various setups to gather as much data as possible. The car seems to be in a satisfactory position, and I am proud of the team’s efforts in completing a comprehensive testing program.”
Max Verstappen: “Friday was exceptionally good. Our main focus was on long runs to gain a better understanding of the car, and it was encouraging to see the car perform well. We deliberately avoided chasing pure lap times and instead tested different tire compounds. I am satisfied with the number of laps we completed. As we approach the race weekend, our goal is to fine-tune the car and prepare for any challenges that may arise during the race. We will analyze the data in more detail and formulate a plan for the next week. Overall, it was a very positive testing session, and we gained valuable insights with the changes we made. We are excited about what lies ahead.”
Sergio Perez: “The team has had a promising start to the year, and we have accumulated a significant amount of mileage over the past few days. Our race program was well executed, allowing us to maximize our track time. Now, we shift our focus to the race next weekend. I feel comfortable in the car and am optimistic about our performance. We will see how it behaves during the race, but the initial feedback is very positive.”
George Russell: “We have had three successful days here in Bahrain. We managed to complete all our planned activities, despite the interruptions. The car has been performing well and meets our expectations based on the simulator work we did before coming here. We have a solid foundation to build upon. We recognize that there is still room for improvement in terms of lap times. We already knew that before the test, and Red Bull seems to be formidable once again. However, I am confident that we are in a much better position compared to a year ago. The team in Brackley and Brixworth has done an excellent job putting us in this position and providing us with a car that is heading in the right direction. Our focus now is to maximize the potential of our current package and continue increasing the aerodynamic pressure to reduce the gap.”
Lewis Hamilton: “Overall, it was an excellent test. I am extremely proud of everyone involved, both on the track and in the factory. Each individual has been working tirelessly in Brackley, Brixworth, and here in Bahrain. The level of commitment, determination, and communication is the best I have ever witnessed. We know that there is still work to be done before we reach our desired level. However, this was expected going into the test. We have a solid foundation to build upon. In the coming days, we will thoroughly analyze all the data collected during the test. I am excited for the start of the season next week, and we are well prepared.”
Andrew Shovlin, Trackside Engineering Director: “We had three productive days here in Bahrain and made significant progress in understanding the W15. The feedback from the drivers is noticeably different and more positive compared to last year’s car, which is encouraging. Our team has worked diligently to address the handling issues that plagued the W14, and it is gratifying to see that many of those issues are now behind us. Throughout the test, we have made great strides in understanding the capabilities of the car. In the coming days, our focus will be on analyzing the results and determining the optimal package for the race weekend. It is always challenging to assess pace based on testing, as teams often hide their true potential. However, it is evident that we are in a much stronger position compared to 12 months ago. We have some busy days ahead as we finalize our preparations for the season opener, and we look forward to the race weekend and the rest of the season.”
Lando Norris expressed his satisfaction with the end of the testing period, stating that he is pleased with the progress made over the past three days. Despite facing some setbacks, which he considered expected during pre-season testing, Norris emphasized the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the car. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to analyze the collected data and make improvements before the next race. Overall, Norris conveyed optimism and a clear focus on the tasks at hand.
Oscar Piastri also reflected on the end of the tests, describing the session as smooth and enjoyable. He expressed satisfaction with the number of laps completed, highlighting the value of conducting race simulations during testing. Piastri acknowledged that there is still work to be done but conveyed enthusiasm and readiness for the first race. He emphasized the importance of assessing the competition next week to gain a better understanding of their own performance.
The team principal, Andrea Stella, acknowledged the team’s past challenges with reliability during winter testing. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s improved preparation for this season’s tests. Stella acknowledged that not all planned laps were completed due to various issues, but overall, he considered the testing period positive. Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Stella urged caution, noting that some teams have made significant progress during the winter. He expressed the team’s intention to evaluate their performance during qualifying and thanked the entire team for their efforts throughout the testing period.
In conclusion, Stella highlighted the need for rest, reflection, and review before the first race. He expressed gratitude to the team and his colleagues for their hard work and dedication. Despite the challenges faced during testing, Stella conveyed a sense of optimism and determination to overcome any obstacles that may arise in the upcoming race.
Fernando Alonso: “During this test, we have strived to acquire as much knowledge as possible and focused on our own progress. It would be desirable to possess the information and understanding of where each team stands, but that is not achievable during testing. The AMR24 represents an advancement from last year’s model, and we will have to evaluate the extent of that progress compared to our competitors. More clarity will be gained after qualifying next week. It was advantageous to accumulate a significant number of laps over the three days, and I feel physically prepared for the start of the upcoming season.”
Lance Stroll: “Being present in Bahrain for the tests is truly wonderful, especially after missing last year’s pre-season test. The time spent in the car is invaluable for all of us as we collect data and familiarize ourselves with the AMR24 with each completed lap. These days have been effectively used to test various components and setups, resulting in the car feeling better and better with each passing day. We have not encountered any reliability issues so far. It is still premature to make significant predictions, but I am looking forward to the first race of the year next week.”
Mike Krack, team principal: “From our perspective, this was a successful test. Our focus was on our own agenda, gradually progressing through the usual system checks and test items. The AMR24 has demonstrated reliability, and we have a comprehensive understanding of its performance. We have confirmed that we have made progress during the winter, achieving gains and improvements in crucial areas. With a long season ahead, we have several projects in development, some of which hold great promise. We have the utmost respect for our competitors, and this test has revealed that the entire grid will be competitive this season. However, we are excited about what lies ahead. I extend my gratitude to the track testing team and everyone at AMRTC for thoroughly preparing us for the start of the season. Everyone is eagerly looking forward to the start of the races next weekend.”
Esteban Ocon expressed his satisfaction with the three-day test, stating that it was one of the most successful experiences he has had with the team. Since he started driving the car, everything has been flawless, and the operational aspect has been strong. The car has been reliable, and they have managed to complete their testing program. They have made improvements to the car throughout the test, but there is still work to be done. Ocon is looking forward to analyzing the data and identifying areas for improvements. He thanked everyone involved in the team for their hard work during the winter and is now looking forward to the upcoming races.
Pierre Gasly discussed the extensive testing they conducted and highlighted the importance of analyzing the data to fully understand the capabilities of the new car concept. Gasly faced some challenges during the test, including time lost due to a red flag and a loose wheel issue. However, he emphasized that the test as a whole was productive for the team. He expressed his excitement for the first race.
Bruno Famin, the team principal, described the test as solid and emphasized the team’s focus on their own performance. The team demonstrated strong teamwork between the factories and the on-site team, which was a positive aspect of the test. The car’s reliability allowed them to complete their planned tests. Famin stated that their current focus is on analyzing the data and optimizing the package for the next Grand Prix. He acknowledged that the start of the season can be challenging as they continue to learn and develop their car throughout the year.
Yuki Tsunoda: “The testing period was quite smooth. We did not strictly follow our planned schedule due to some track issues, but we dealt with them well. I feel that the car has made significant progress compared to last year, which makes me happy with its performance so far. The balance has improved, especially in the front. We still need to work on the rear, but we are heading in the right direction. Over the past few days, I have completed several laps, gaining valuable experience and collecting important data to understand the limits of the car. Although we are not at the bottom of the time table, it is difficult to assess our position relative to the rest of the grid. I am looking forward to the start of the racing season next week.”
Daniel Ricciardo: “I believe the testing period was positive, and we have made significant developments to the car compared to last year. I completed a good number of laps and feel physically prepared. Unfortunately, there were some track issues with the drainage system that raised concerns about completing our race. Fortunately, we were able to overcome those challenges. I did shorter races on the first two days and a race simulation this morning. In terms of performance, we are where we expected to be, aiming to compete in the midfield group. Overall, it was a smooth test, and we have no major concerns. We have made progress and have a clear understanding of our position. However, if we want to consistently fight for Q3 and points, there is still room for improvement.”
Peter Bayer, CEO: “It was a fantastic moment to witness the Visa Cash App RB come to life in all its glory and see the team come together with renewed motivation and enthusiasm under the new identity. We are also grateful for the positive response from our fans, whose continued support we appreciate. After a very productive three-day test, we now have a wealth of data to analyze, which will greatly contribute to our preparation for the first race of the season in Bahrain next week.”
Laurent Mekies, team principal: “It was an exciting experience to witness the Visa Cash App RB team hit the track for the first time. We have an exceptional group of individuals from our factories in Faenza and Bicester, as well as our power unit partner Honda, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with them at the race circuit. Undoubtedly, we have a long journey ahead to build and develop our team to the level of competitiveness we aspire to achieve. However, our journey started positively in Bahrain this week, executing a well-planned program that will play a crucial role in our progress throughout the season. The first race is rapidly approaching, and we have a significant amount of work to do to ensure we are properly prepared. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Daniel, Yuki, and everyone in our factories for their hard work and exceptional spirit so far. We look forward to our return next week to kick off the racing season!”
Alan Permane, Race Director: “Overall, it was three highly positive days for us. The car demonstrated excellent reliability throughout the week, allowing us to collect extensive data. We focused on conducting quality tests, taking time to make setup changes and understand the car’s behavior. Additionally, we performed long runs and successfully completed a full race distance with Daniel today. Now, we will use the next few days to analyze the data we have collected and learn from it, not only for the Bahrain race weekend but also for future races. I am excited to be here and eagerly look forward to the approaching season. I have found an analytical team that effectively utilizes the data we collect to drive the car and the team forward. Everyone at Visa Cash App RB is filled with excitement for the upcoming season, and we eagerly await the unveiling of the qualifying order after next weekend’s race.”
Team Report: As the start of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship approaches, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team concluded pre-season testing with a busy day at the Bahrain International Circuit. Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg added 169 laps on Friday, bringing the team’s total to 441 laps over the three days leading up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, which takes place from February 29 to March 2.
Ayao Komatsu, team principal, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the day: “We completed our first qualifying simulation, evaluating the car’s balance with low fuel, and then proceeded with two race simulations – one with Kevin and another with Nico. Despite the track issues, we successfully achieved our goals. Today was a very good day overall. Although our race simulations indicate that there is still work to be done, we have a solid foundation to build upon. Considering our performance in qualifying, which we have not yet focused on, it was decent. We had a good start to the season thanks to our thorough preparation during testing. I am very pleased and grateful to everyone in the team.”
Kevin Magnussen acknowledged the limitations of the three-day testing period: “You never get all the answers you need, and there is always a desire for more time. However, given the constraints, I believe we have accomplished a lot and gained valuable insights into the car. Our main focus now is to perform well on Sunday. We conducted extensive high-mileage races to address certain issues, and I believe we are making progress. Although we have not completely solved the problem, I hope it will make a difference on race day. I anticipate another closely contested season among all teams.”
Nico Hulkenberg expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress: “Today, we successfully completed our program and achieved our goals, which is a positive result. We also conducted a race simulation, although I haven’t compared it to other teams yet. After three days of testing, we have gathered a wealth of impressions, data, and areas for analysis. Like most teams, we conducted experiments during testing, and the results were promising. It is still early, and we will only know our true position next week. However, from my point of view in the car, I can say that compared to last year, the car is better, and we have taken a step in the right direction.”
Dave Robson, Vehicle Performance Chief, expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the pre-season test. Throughout the day, they were able to complete 120 laps without encountering any issues with the car. Alex, building on Logan’s previous work, continued to improve the FW46. The car performed well with different fuel loads, allowing Alex to successfully simulate a race using two of the available tire compounds for next week. As expected at this time of year, there is ample opportunity to take the FW46 even further and accelerate its development. With a few days to analyze the data from this week, they will determine the build of the cars for FP1 and the introduction of the initial round of car updates. Despite the workload, they have made a promising start and have a solid foundation to build upon.
Alex Albon, in his statement, acknowledged that they have a competent race car. However, he admitted that they faced some challenges in the first two days as the car’s characteristics were significantly different, making it difficult to rebalance. However, they have made significant progress in making the car more manageable. While they have solved some historical problems, they have encountered new issues along the way. Despite this, they implemented a radical setup today, which yielded positive results. Alex also noted that the midfield teams have closed the gap, with everyone making significant improvements compared to last year. This season will be determined by the details and the suitability of certain tracks, promising exciting battles ahead.
Team Report: As the start of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship approaches, the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber concluded pre-season testing with a busy day at the Bahrain International Circuit. Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas completed a combined total of 113 laps, bringing the team’s total number of laps to 380 over the three days of testing, equivalent to a distance of 2,056.56 kilometers. The team will now thoroughly analyze the data collected over the three days to prepare for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, which serves as the season opener.
James Key, Technical Director, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during the testing period. He highlighted the team’s systematic approach, explaining that they had a clear list of items to address and areas to explore. The C44, the team’s car, performed as expected, completing the planned laps without any unexpected issues. Key also mentioned that despite a red flag incident that forced an early end to Valtteri’s session, they still managed to fulfill all their objectives for the day. Overall, Key emphasized that the testing period was productive and provided valuable insights for the team, establishing a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
Valtteri Bottas acknowledged the challenges faced during the final day of testing, especially the time lost due to the red flag incident. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the next race, stating that they were able to gather important information about the C44. Bottas acknowledged the difficulty of accurately assessing performance and competitiveness at this stage but expressed confidence in the collected data. Going forward, the focus will be on analyzing and learning from the collected data to make improvements before the race weekend.
Zhou Guanyu highlighted the team’s achievements on the final day of testing, especially in terms of completing long runs and a full race distance. The team successfully executed their program and experimented with different setups and combinations to gain valuable insights. Zhou acknowledged the challenge of fully understanding the car’s potential, especially with a completely new vehicle. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s progress and their commitment to continuous improvement in the days leading up to the race weekend. The true performance and relative ranking compared to other teams will only become clear during the first qualifying session and race. In the meantime, the team will continue their efforts to learn and identify areas for further improvements.
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Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is facing criticism following his controversial behavior at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen was involved in a collision with driver Lewis Hamilton, resulting in both cars going off the track. The collision was so intense that both drivers had to retire from the race.
This is not the first time Verstappen has been involved in such incidents. The Dutch driver has a reputation for being aggressive and impulsive on the track. Many consider his driving style to be risky and dangerous for other competitors.
However, Verstappen disagrees with the criticism and defends his actions. He claims that he was only trying to overtake Hamilton and that it was the British driver who caused the collision. Verstappen argues that Hamilton closed the door and did not give enough space for the maneuver.
Opinions are divided on who is to blame for the accident. Some believe that Verstappen was reckless and should have been more careful when attempting to overtake. Others believe that Hamilton is also at fault, as he could have given more space to Verstappen.
While discussions continue, the FIA (International Automobile Federation) is investigating the incident and may take disciplinary action against Verstappen and Hamilton. Both drivers could face penalties, such as fines and point deductions in the championship.
Formula 1 fans are eager to see how this situation will unfold. Verstappen and Hamilton are two of the most talented and competitive drivers in the sport, and their rivalries always generate excitement and drama in the races. It will be interesting to see if they will be able to overcome this incident and continue competing fairly and safely.
