F1 BAHREYN GP 2024

Latest status of the teams before the Formula 1 2024 Bahrain GP! Red Bull, Ferrari...

The highly anticipated 2024 F1 season officially started with pre-season tests held in Bahrain between 21-23 February.

After the completion of the three-day pre-season testing in Bahrain, it is now time for the first race of 2024, the Bahrain GP, which will take place next week (between February 29 and March 2).

So, what did we see and understand from the 2024 Bahrain tests? Will Red Bull's dominance end? Which team can challenge it? Are there any teams that practice sandbagging? Which teams are reluctant to show their hand? Which team might be the best at the back? What can we expect from which team in the new season? We will talk about these in our article this week.

But first, let's explain what pre-season testing means in Formula 1.

Absolutely! Formula 1 pre-season testing is basically a shakedown period for the teams and their brand new cars before the season kicks off. It's like a chance to iron out the wrinkles and get everything running smoothly. Here's a breakdown of why it's important:

• Testing the new car: Teams spend the off-season designing and building entirely new cars for the upcoming season. Pre-season testing is their first opportunity to see if everything works as planned and identify any potential problems.
• Data gathering: Teams use this time to collect a ton of data on how the car performs under different conditions. This data is crucial for fine-tuning the car's setup and maximizing its potential.
• Reliability checks: Reliability is key in Formula 1, so teams use testing to make sure their cars can complete a race distance without breaking down.
• Getting a glimpse of the competition: While teams might not be going all-out for the fastest lap times, pre-season testing gives everyone a first look at how the other teams are shaping up.

It's important to remember that teams often try to keep their true pace under wraps during testing, which is known as "sandbagging." So, while it can be tempting to guess who's the favorite based on lap times, it's not always the clearest picture.

F1 teams unveil their cars
Formula 1 pre-season testing is organized for teams to test their new cars ahead of the opening race of the year. Teams, whose testing time is limited, are preparing for the new season by testing their new vehicles from early morning until evening.
Teams that normally race with 2 vehicles use only 1 vehicle to minimize costs. Pilots of the teams share one vehicle and two vehicles are not brought for two pilots. The reason for this is to reduce costs as much as possible.
In these sessions, F1 teams can test any parts, systems and vehicle settings they want by applying the programs and plans they want and collect data.

Aim; getting to know the new tool
Engines, gearboxes and other parts used in the tests; It is not subject to usage limits during the season. So, if your engine blows up during testing, you do not start the season with a minus engine.
In this way, pilots and teams begin to get used to their new vehicles before the new season and can correct their deficiencies before the first race of the season. Tests are often about endurance, functioning and mileage rather than performance.

Red Bull is still too fast
Let's talk about the latest situation after the three-day pre-season tests in Bahrain...

Red Bull, which won 21 of 22 races in 2023, ran its new concept smoothly. Even though the results don't show it, it's still fast on both single laps and long runs.

Ferrari has learned from its mistakes!
Although Ferrari has not made as significant changes as its main rivals, it is still quick on a single lap (they already took 7 pole positions last year) and is much better in terms of tire performance and life in long runs.

Mercedes, closed box
Mercedes has a more well-mannered car after its changes, but it's a box office in terms of performance because they kept their hands closed without doing racing simulations like the others.

Aston Martin is in the same place, McLaren is in decline
Fernando Alonso's team Aston Martin is close to where it finished 2023, while McLaren - at least according to testing - appears to have regressed.

Red Bull's closest rival is Ferrari
Currently, when we scan many leading sources, including the official website of Formula 1, there are estimates that Red Bull is 0.2 to 0.5 seconds ahead of its closest rival Ferrari in a single lap. While Mercedes and McLaren follow them, Aston Martin is thought to be behind them.

Many unknowns ahead of Bahrain GP
These are the impressions obtained from the tests, but when we look at the second half of last year, it turns out that there are very similar results. On the other hand, these are just tests. We do not know how much fuel Ferrari pilot Sainz, who set the fastest lap on Thursday, had, how much fuel Red Bull was running on and how much he turned on the engine mode. Looks like Mercedes didn't show its hand too well either. We will see better what the single-lap performance is like in the qualifying to be held next week today.

So when and at what time is the F1 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix?
The 2024 Formula 1 season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held this weekend (February 29 - March 2).
The excitement of the 2024 Bahrain GP weekend will begin with the first practice session to be held on Friday. This session will start at 14.30 on Friday, February 29th and will last 1 hour.
It will start with the 3rd training session on Saturday, March 1. This session will last one hour. Qualifying rounds will also be held on the same day. The big race on Sunday, March 2nd will start at 18:00.