Carlos Sainz Dominates Second Day of Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing
Carlos Sainz brought a thrilling end to the second day of Formula 1’s pre-season testing in Bahrain by securing the fastest lap of the three-day event. Sainz’s best time of 1m29.348s on C3 tires, set in the afternoon session, eclipsed Lewis Hamilton’s earlier benchmark by a mere 0.03 seconds. Despite a minor spin while pushing on C4 tires, Sainz’s performance highlighted the competitive edge of the Ferrari team. The session saw a light drizzle in the final hours, but it did not significantly impact the running, unlike the pre-lunch shower that cost teams an hour of valuable track time.
Sainz’s Stellar Performance and Team Focus
Sainz’s dominance was underscored by his highest lap count of 127 laps, which included a lengthy race simulation on C3 tires. This strategic approach allowed him to gather valuable data on the car’s endurance and performance over longer stints. McLaren’s Lando Norris made a late attempt to challenge Sainz but fell short when he ran wide at Turn 14 and quickly returned to the pit lane. This ensured Sainz’s position at the top remained unchallenged, solidifying his and Ferrari’s promising start to the pre-season.
Leclerc and Ferrari’s Strong Showing
Charles Leclerc, who took over from Hamilton in the afternoon, finished third with a time just half a tenth off Sainz’s pace. Leclerc’s session was not without its challenges, as he experienced a spin at Turn 14 while on a faster set of C4 tires. However, he managed to continue and complete 83 laps, contributing significantly to Ferrari’s comprehensive testing program. The strong showing by both Sainz and Leclerc bodes well for Ferrari’s aspirations in the upcoming season.
Strong Performances from Rookie and Veteran Drivers
George Russell’s morning effort secured him fourth place, a mere 0.006 seconds ahead of rookie team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli demonstrated good speed but also had a couple of off-road excursions as he continued to acclimate to the rigors of F1. Lance Stroll, driving for Aston Martin, was sixth, followed by Liam Lawson, who benefited from Red Bull resolving a water pressure issue that had limited his morning running. The Alpine duo of Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly took eighth and ninth, while Isack Hadjar rounded out the top 10 with the only fastest time on C4 tires.
McLaren and Haas Focus on Long Runs
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris ended the day 13th and 14th, respectively. While they did not push for top times, their focus on race pace and longer stints suggested a strategic approach to preparing for the season. The Haas drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, completed the day at the bottom of the timesheets, but their emphasis on long runs and reliability testing indicated a methodical preparation for the season ahead.
Preparing for the Final Test Day
The second day of pre-season testing provided valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the teams’ cars. With one more day of testing to go, teams will continue to fine-tune their setups and strategies. The data collected over the three days will be crucial for optimizing car performance and preparing for the first race of the season. As the teams head into the final day of testing, the competition for the top spots will likely intensify, with every lap and data point contributing to their readiness for the 2025 F1 season.
