Max Verstappen emerged as the fastest driver in the initial testing session of the 2024 Formula 1 season. He claimed the top spot on the timesheet during the morning session of pre-season testing in Bahrain. Verstappen had his inaugural run in the Red Bull RB20 and is scheduled to take the wheel again in the afternoon session. He clocked a time of 1:32.548s, which remained unbeaten.
While testing primarily focuses on gathering data for the new cars, it is still crucial to complete as many laps as possible. Verstappen completed a total of 66 laps around the Sakhir international circuit, securing the third-highest number of laps in the session. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc followed in second place with a lap time of 1:33.247s, completing 64 laps. Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin secured third place, completing the most laps with 77 and achieving a best time of 1:33.385s.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claimed fourth place, recording a lap time of 1:33.658s and completing 57 laps. Yuki Tsunoda continued Red Bull’s strong performance by securing the fifth fastest time of 1:34.136s during his 64 laps. George Russell had the second fewest laps with 48 in his Mercedes W15, yet still managed to achieve the sixth fastest time of 1:34.230s.
Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas secured the seventh fastest time with a lap time of 1:34.431s, completing 68 laps. Despite encountering technical issues with his Williams FW46 and having to stop in Sector 1, Alex Albon managed to complete 40 laps and achieve the eighth fastest time of 1:34.587s. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon posted the ninth fastest time of 1:34.677s after completing 60 laps. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen rounded out the top ten with a lap time of 1:35.692s, completing 65 laps in the VF-24 machine.
Source: motorsportweek.com
