P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Red Bull RB20 is the slam dunk consensus pick as F1 2024’s initial fastest car – but a race simulation by Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari SF-24 suggests the season is far from over
Day two of Formula 1 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain provided a more detailed dataset compared to the opening day, with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari leading the headline times. However, a deeper analysis reveals interesting insights beyond the surface performance. Reigning champion Max Verstappen missed his scheduled Red Bull drive due to Sergio Perez needing more cockpit time after disruptions in the morning session. There are assumptions made in the pace comparison between Red Bull and Ferrari, such as their fuel loads, based on past performance trends. Both teams attempted race simulations, offering further clues to their competitive edge. The new Ferrari shows strong single-lap pace, with Sainz’s time leading the session, though normalization for tyre compound differences is necessary for accurate comparisons. Overall, the testing session hints at a close competition between the top teams for the upcoming season.
