Bahrain, Bahrain – February 21: Max Verstappen from the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepare to drive in the garage during the first day of F1 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 21, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202402210858 // Editorial use only //
The 26-year-old driver and Red Bull had an incredibly successful season last year, winning almost every one of the 22 races. This year, they seem to be even stronger with the Red Bull RB20, which caused a lot of excitement during the F1 testing in Bahrain last week.
Verstappen, who started 2023 by leading Sergio Perez to a one-two victory in Sakhir, won 19 races and broke Michael Schumacher’s record of 37 consecutive races leading the championship from 2000 to 2002.
The Dutch driver ended the season with seven consecutive wins, and the recent pre-season tests in Bahrain indicated that this winning streak is likely to continue as the sport enters a record-breaking 24-race championship.
After the tests, Verstappen commented, “We had a few productive testing days and gained valuable information from the car. Of course, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves and still need to make sure we do everything right to have a good start to the season. Overall, I’m excited to start racing again.”
Red Bull is celebrating its 20th season, but there are concerns surrounding team principal Christian Horner, who is currently under investigation for undisclosed allegations of misconduct towards a female colleague.
Horner has denied these allegations, and a decision on his future is expected to be made soon, before the Bahrain GP, according to multiple sources. Rival teams will be eager to exploit any weaknesses but will also be competing to be the best of the rest.
Ferrari, with its new car, the SF-24, showed promising speed and achieved impressive mileage during the tests. Carlos Sainz set the fastest time on the second day, and Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets on the final day.
However, test times can be misleading as teams run different programs and fuel levels. Nevertheless, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who is in his second year in charge in Maranello, is optimistic about their performance: “We can be satisfied with what we achieved during this test.”
Mercedes is also confident after redesigning its car to make it less unpredictable. Team principal Toto Wolff hopes the W15 can provide more consistency and better pace for his drivers.
The team had its first winless season since 2011 last year, and both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who last won in 2021 and will join Ferrari next year, will be looking for signs that the car has the potential to win races.
After the conclusion of the tests, Wolff stated, “The drivers are much happier with the overall balance. This provides a solid foundation for future development.”
McLaren, which made significant progress last season, will be eager to maintain its momentum, while two-time champion Fernando Alonso hopes to add more podiums for Aston Martin.
The renamed Visa Cash App RB team, as well as Sauber, which will compete under the names Stake and Kick in different races this season, are also determined to make their mark as Red Bull sister teams.
The lineup of drivers for the 20th Bahrain Grand Prix will remain unchanged.
The race, along with the next round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a week later, will be held on a Saturday to allow Middle Eastern countries to host races before the start of Ramadan. (Report by Abhishek Takle)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
GRAND PRIX WINS, POLE POSITION, AND PODIUMS
OPENING RACE OF THE F1 SEASON
MARCH
One week after the conclusion of pre-season testing, Formula 1 returns to Bahrain for the first round of the 2024 season from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2.
The usual Grand Prix weekend schedule has been brought forward by one day – the same will be done the following weekend in Saudi Arabia – with two free practice sessions on Thursday, FP3 and qualifying on Friday, and the Grand Prix itself on Saturday.
This change has been implemented by Formula 1 to accommodate the start of Ramadan on the second Sunday of March.
Teams arrive in Sakhir with enough information on how the car and tire package behave on this particularly abrasive track, where traction and braking stability are crucial for performance, both on a single lap and during longer races.
Track conditions do not evolve significantly, with temperature being the main factor influencing performance. Two out of the three free practice sessions take place in the heat of the day, making it challenging to obtain accurate race data.
Another element that affects the cars is the wind, as it can blow sand onto the track and make the balance unpredictable. Thermal degradation will play a significant role and can have a decisive impact on race performance, while tire wear is usually minimal.
The Bahrain Grand Prix can be one of the most exciting races of the year, offering numerous overtaking opportunities, especially at turns 1, 4, and 11. Tire degradation, along with the resulting variety of race strategies, also adds an intriguing element to performance differences.
In last year’s #BahrainGP, the preferred strategy was a two-stop race using the C1 and C3 tires, with McLaren being the only team to use the C2 tire. (Source: Pirelli)
© 2024
The world of sports is filled with excitement and adrenaline, and 2024 promises to be an unforgettable year for fans. With several thrilling competitions and high-level sporting events, sports enthusiasts will certainly have much to look forward to.
One of the most anticipated competitions is the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. The best teams in the world will come together to compete for the most coveted title in football. The games promise to be intense and full of twists and turns, with the most talented players showcasing their skills on the field.
In addition to football, other sports will also take center stage in 2024. The Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, bringing athletes from around the world to compete in various sports disciplines. The Paralympic Games will also be held in the same city, providing emotional moments of overcoming and inspiration.
In the world of motorsport, fans can expect thrilling and adrenaline-filled races. Formula 1 will continue to be a spectacle of speed, with the best drivers in the world competing on challenging circuits. Additionally, motocross and rally races also promise exciting moments for motorsport fans.
In basketball, the NBA will continue to be an exciting league, with action-packed games and skilled players showcasing their abilities. Fans can also look forward to the EuroBasket, which will bring together the best European national teams in a fierce competition.
In tennis, the Grand Slam tournaments will continue to be the highlight of the sports calendar. The world’s best players will compete in Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, vying for the championship title.
In summary, 2024 promises to be an incredible year for sports fans. With thrilling competitions in various disciplines, sports lovers will have much to enjoy. Get ready for moments of excitement, overcoming, and plenty of adrenaline. Don’t miss any action, as sports will be more thrilling than ever.
