P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes set the benchmark pace in Bahrain during free practice with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell going first and second after FP2.
Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin, confirmed that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are still leading the field comfortably after Thursday’s practice in Bahrain. Despite Mercedes analyzing and improving their one-lap pace following testing last week, Red Bull remains the favorite for the upcoming season after their dominant performance last year, securing both championships with almost flawless victories. Even though Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in FP2, Mercedes is cautious about their progress, acknowledging room for improvement in power unit modes and fuel loads that could shake up the competition. Shovlin expects Red Bull to showcase their strength as the weekend unfolds, potentially edging out Mercedes in long-run performance. The team is working on fine-tuning the balance of the W15 car, recognizing the differences and challenges compared to previous seasons. For all upcoming Formula 1 races, make sure to download the 2024 F1 calendar to stay updated with the action on your calendar.
