After a three-month winter break, the Formula 1 teams can finally subject their new cars to an extensive track test. Although most teams have had a shakedown or a film day, the teams and drivers can complete an extensive program for the first time at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain. However, the teams have to be more economical with time this season, because this year they will have ‘only’ three full days to test the cars. The test days can be followed live on F1TV Pro and Viaplay. F1Maximum will keep you informed of the latest developments on the circuit via this live blog.
Due to the limited testing time, the teams will hope more than ever that they are on the right track with the design of the 2023 car. After all, there are only three days to test the new cars on the track and next week the new season will start again, also in Bahrain. To compensate for the small number of test days, the teams and drivers are given an extra half hour every day to test the new material.
In contrast to previous years, the teams will most likely start with the car during the test days, which will also appear at the start a week later during the first Grand Prix weekend. There is little room to keep the new gadgets behind, because there are only a few days between the test days and the season opener in Bahrain.
Eyes will be on Red Bull and Ferrari
The teams will keep a close eye on each other in the coming days, but many eyes will mainly be on Red Bull and Ferrari. The team of Max Verstappen, who will be responsible for the whole day on Thursday, is the only top team that has not yet shown the ‘real’ car for the 2023 season and Ferrari seems to be causing the first controversy before the season has started. For example, the generally well-established Formu1a.uno reports that there are doubts about the legality of the S-duct concept with the sidepods of the SF-23. According to the medium, several teams have already asked the FIA for clarification.
Verstappen dominant, De Vries solid
Two days have now passed and in those two days Max Verstappen was the most convincing man on the track. On day one, the Red Bull driver was the fastest and on day two he was only slightly slower than Guanyu Zhou. On the third and final day, Verstappen will no longer be in action, as Sergio Pérez will take on the entire day.
Nyck de Vries has so far had a solid test. Particularly on Friday, the AlphaTauri debutant was on his way quickly and was briefly classified second. He could not hold on to that, but the Dutchman finished in an excellent fourth place. There were also problems for Mercedes, Williams and Alfa Romeo who all came to a standstill in the afternoon session of day two.
F1 Live | Third Formula 1 test day in Bahrain
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