P1racenews AI automatic summary:
On the final day of pre-season testing, Max Verstappen gave hints at Red Bull’s true pace over their rivals after completing a long run on the C3 tyres.
Max Verstappen made a bold move by opting for C3 medium tires during the Bahrain race simulation, showcasing the potential of the RB20 car with consistent performance over 14 laps. Teams recognized that the RB20 marks a significant step forward for Red Bull in terms of speed, with only minor issues related to their brakes during the testing days. Verstappen smoothly transitioned to race runs on medium tires as twilight fell, showing comfortable performance with lap times in the low 1:37 range before switching to hard tires for a 17-lap stint. Notably, the RB20 demonstrated good tire management on the abrasive Bahrain track, with the quickest time on C3 coming 10 laps into the run. Ferrari, represented by Charles Leclerc in the SF-24, presented a competitive pace but seemed slightly slower than Red Bull, though improvements in smoothness and consistency from the previous season were evident. McLaren, while still trailing behind rivals, showed promise with the MCL38, indicating a stronger starting point for the season. Overall, the testing session hinted at tight competition and potential podium contention for teams like Ferrari and Aston Martin, setting the stage for an exciting F1 season ahead.
