P1racenews AI automatic summary:
2024 Bahrain F1 test: Verstappen tops opening morning as Albon stops on track
The current Formula 1 world champion unveiled the revamped Red Bull RB20, featuring Mercedes-style sidepods, and promptly reclaimed the fastest time on the track. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari initially set a benchmark time of 1m33.685s, but halfway through the morning, Verstappen surged to the top with a 1m32.548s on C3 compound tires. This lap was three tenths quicker than his fastest time from the previous year’s pre-season test. Alex Albon experienced technical difficulties with his Williams, halting at Turn 2 due to a power loss, to be investigated later by the team. Leclerc held onto second place, nearly seven-tenths adrift of Verstappen, while Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin claimed third. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured fourth place, and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull took fifth. Mercedes prioritized mileage over speed, with George Russell in sixth, followed by Valtteri Bottas of Sauber and Albon. Esteban Ocon of Alpine had a brief off-track excursion but finished ninth, and Kevin Magnussen of Haas closed out the top ten after overcoming technical issues.
