Formula 1 teams in Bahrain were caught off guard by a rare in-weekend change that could significantly impact the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. Drivers expressed their frustration with the lack of grip caused by extreme temperatures during the opening day of action.
In a surprising move, Pirelli, the F1 tyre supplier, announced that they would be lowering the rear tyre temperatures by one psi for the remainder of the weekend, dropping it from 21psi to 20psi. This adjustment is unusual as changes in tyre pressure typically go in the opposite direction during a race weekend.
The last time such a mid-weekend tyre pressure adjustment occurred was during the 2016 Italian Grand Prix. The decision to lower the pressures in Bahrain is driven by the need to improve tyre performance, especially for the challenging rear tyres that have been difficult to manage in the heat.
The scorching temperatures in Bahrain have posed a significant challenge for teams, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen describing the conditions as “difficult” and lacking grip. The unexpected heat has led to excessive rear tyre temperatures, affecting lap times and overall performance.
McLaren seemed to have an edge in tyre management during Friday’s practice sessions, with telemetry data showing their ability to keep tyres in the optimal operating window for longer periods. The pressure adjustment by Pirelli aims to address the higher-than-anticipated pressures caused by the heat, helping teams struggling with tyre management.
While McLaren’s competitors hope to capitalize on the pressure change to level the playing field, the Woking-based team also faced challenges on Friday. Driver Lando Norris described the conditions as “shocking,” highlighting the impact of the extreme temperatures on performance.
As teams adapt to the revised tyre pressures, the Bahrain Grand Prix promises an exciting and unpredictable race weekend, where even small adjustments can make a significant difference in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.