Sakhir, Bahrain – The pre-season testing for the 2024 Formula 1 season kicked off in Bahrain with Max Verstappen putting Red Bull’s new car on top. The 10 teams in attendance completed over 500 laps during the morning session as the drivers got their first taste of the new 2024 technology.
This morning allowed for a closer look at Red Bull’s RB20, deemed as an aggressive evolution of the RB19 that dominated last year’s races. The RB20 showed new details including halo inlets and a more intricate sidepod design, with the team seemingly splitting its inlet into two parts.
Verstappen took to the track and showcased the car’s potential, especially when he switched to the mid-range C3 tire, setting the fastest time of the morning. He ended the session with a best time of 1m32.548s, surpassing his 2023 day one benchmark.
Other drivers also had solid performances, with Charles Leclerc within two tenths of the Red Bull and Fernando Alonso putting in a particularly industrious session with 77 laps completed in the new Aston Martin AMR24.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also had a productive morning, securing the fourth-fastest time, while Yuki Tsunoda impressed for the rebranded RB team.
However, not all teams had a smooth session, as Alex Albon brought the Williams to a halt on the track, and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas experienced issues with a reported fuel system problem.
Overall, the morning session provided valuable insights into the early performance of the cars and the drivers’ readiness for the upcoming season. With each team working to fine-tune their cars for the challenges ahead, the testing period promises to be a crucial time for all involved.