A Mixed Bag of Impressions on the Final Day of Testing in Bahrain
The third and final day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain wrapped up with a flurry of activity and mixed impressions. Alex Kalinauckas and Ronald Vording took a close look at the day’s events, offering their insights on the teams and drivers who did not leave a positive mark. Despite the high expectations and rigorous preparations, several teams encountered setbacks that raised concerns about their performance heading into the new season. Aston Martin, in particular, faced a difficult final day that saw a significant U-turn in their fortunes, leaving many to question the reliability and potential of their new car. Sauber, now known as Alfa Romeo, also struggled, and it seems likely that they will start the season at the back of the grid. The challenges faced by these teams highlight the unpredictable nature of pre-season testing, where even the best-laid plans can falter under the pressure of the track.
Aston Martin’s Troubles
Aston Martin’s final day in Bahrain was a stark contrast to their earlier promise. The team, which had shown glimpses of pace and reliability during the first two days, encountered a series of issues that marred their performance. The problems included a loss of power and a series of mechanical failures that limited their running time. This U-turn left many fans and observers scratching their heads, as the team had been one of the more promising underdogs. The struggles on the final day are a cause for concern, especially as the season opener in Bahrain is just around the corner. It remains to be seen whether Aston Martin can bounce back and address these issues in time, but the final test results suggest that they have their work cut out for them.
Sauber’s Struggles at the Back
Alfa Romeo, formerly known as Sauber, had a particularly tough time during the pre-season testing. The team’s car, the C43, showed a lack of pace and consistency, and the drivers struggled to put in competitive laps. Both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu faced challenges, with Bottas admitting that the car was "difficult to drive." The team’s management, including team principal Frédéric Vasseur, acknowledged the need for significant improvements before the season starts. The lack of confidence and the clear performance gap to the midfield teams could place Alfa Romeo at a distinct disadvantage, potentially relegating them to the back of the grid for the opening races.
Lewis Hamilton’s Evening Woes
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, encountered his own set of challenges in the final evening session of the test. Despite his extensive experience and the advanced capabilities of the Mercedes W14, Hamilton struggled to find a rhythm and was noticeably off the pace. The reasons behind his difficulties were multifaceted, including adapting to the new car’s handling characteristics and the impact of recent changes to the team’s setup. Alex Kalinauckas delved into the nuances of Hamilton’s performance, suggesting that the issues might be a combination of driver adaptation and mechanical factors. The team will need to work closely with Hamilton to ensure he is comfortable and competitive when the real racing begins.
Haas: Multiple Setbacks and a Flying Engine Cover
Haas, the American-based team, did not have a smooth final day either. The team faced multiple setbacks, including a flying engine cover that interrupted their testing and a series of spins that highlighted the car’s handling issues. Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg both experienced difficulties, with the latter particularly struggling to keep the car on track. The flying engine cover incident, while not a common occurrence, underscored the team’s need to focus on reliability and consistency. Haas’s management, including team principal Guenther Steiner, will be keen to address these problems before the season starts to avoid similar issues in race conditions.
Red Bull’s Lowered Potential
The Red Bull camp, which had been one of the dominant forces in recent seasons, seemed to have a more subdued presence during the final day of testing. The RB19, driven by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, showed a lowered potential, leading to some speculation about the team’s form. Red Bull’s engineers and drivers acknowledged that the car was not performing at its best, and they are working on understanding and resolving the underlying issues. While the team is still expected to be competitive, the struggles in testing suggest that they might have lost some ground to their rivals, particularly Mercedes and Ferrari. The Red Bull camp’s pragmatism and willingness to face their challenges head-on will be crucial in their efforts to regain their dominant position.
Early Title Contender: A Surprising Pick
In a surprising twist, Alex Kalinauckas made an "way too early" pick for the drivers’ title, identifying Lando Norris as a potential dark horse. Norris, driving for McLaren, has consistently shown his talent and determination, and his strong performance during testing has not gone unnoticed. While it might be premature to anoint him as a title contender, Kalinauckas believes that Norris has the potential to surprise and challenge the established front-runners. This pick reflects the unpredictable and exciting nature of Formula 1, where a driver’s form and the car’s performance can quickly change the narrative of the season. As the teams and drivers continue to fine-tune their setups, all eyes will be on Norris and McLaren to see if they can maintain this early promise.
