P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A well-timed soft tyre run by Daniel Ricciardo and RB meant an unusual order in the first practice session of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo topped the time sheets in first practice for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, while reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen ended up sixth, creating an intriguing picture of the weekend’s performance. The early comparison saw all teams running the medium compound Pirelli tire, with Verstappen leading the pack. Following a switch to soft tires, Ricciardo impressed with the fastest lap time, hinting at Red Bull’s strong pace. The order of car performances suggested that Aston Martin and Mercedes were surprisingly competitive, while Haas focused on high-fuel runs. The session marked an interesting development in McLaren’s performance in slow-speed corners, with Red Bull potentially posing a challenge to them. Alonso’s late quick lap for Aston Martin provided a highlight, showcasing the team’s potential.
