The long winter break is finally over, Formula One is back! With more drama taking place over the break than an episode of a British Soap show, here is everything you need to know heading into the first race weekend of the year.
Image Credit: Formula One
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
The winter break has come to an end. Pre-season testing is complete. The teams, drivers and cars are all rearing to go. But who comes into this weekend with high expectations? Red Bull is the obvious choice, but if free practice is anything to go by at all; it won't necessarily be plain sailing for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Is History Due To Repeat Itself?
The Bahrain International Circuit is located just outside the growing metropolis of Sakir. The Grand Prix layout, identical to that used in pre-season testing just one week ago is a 5.4-kilometre track comprised of 15 corners, most of which involve heavy braking zones. This circuit is considered to be one of the more challenging venues for cars and drivers especially due to the heat. A perfect ground for testing and the opening round of the season.
Looking back to the 2014 race, could we see the rejuvenation of Sergio Perez to give Max Verstappen a duel in the desert? Or maybe Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris will be the chosen ones?
Last year in Bahrain, Verstappen and Red Bull cleared off into the distance to claim an easy first win for the Dutchman. His Mexican teammate, Perez, followed him home for a one-two. Mercedes and Ferrari especially will be on a mission to disrupt the Red Bull party in Sakhir this year.
2024 Testing Winners And Losers
Winner: Ferrari
Carlos Sainz came out of Testing in front, but a lot can change between the end of testing and the first race weekend. The Prancing Horses are always strong pre-season, but can they retain this pace consistently throughout the season? Will Sainz be 100% committed come the second half of the season with his future up in the air?
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Loser: Alpine
Eighth in the mileage standings, Alpine have kept their proverbial cards close to their chest. Team boss Bruno Famin said they completed their planned programme – however, they clocked up 200 fewer kilometres compared to what they achieved last year.
Image Credit: Clive Rose & Getty Images
Winner: RB
Perhaps the dark horse of pre-season testing, RB came out of the gates kicking with Daniel Ricciardo putting the team inside the top five on each of the last two days of running. With a front and rear end adopted from the 2023 Red Bull, there's no doubt that both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will be close to the front.
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Loser: Aston Martin
Before you get your pitchfork and torch, hear me out... Aston Martin showed a mediocre and inconsistent pace throughout the testing days. However, a car that is designed around receiving upgrades could mean that the best is yet to come for Lawrence Stroll's beloved Astons.
Image Credit: Formula One
So who do you think Bahrain will favour? Will Red Bull reign supreme again? Or can Ferrari and Mercedes upset the balance of Verstappen's charging bull?
Image Credit: Formula One
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
The winter break has come to an end. Pre-season testing is complete. The teams, drivers and cars are all rearing to go. But who comes into this weekend with high expectations? Red Bull is the obvious choice, but if free practice is anything to go by at all; it won't necessarily be plain sailing for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Is History Due To Repeat Itself?
The Bahrain International Circuit is located just outside the growing metropolis of Sakir. The Grand Prix layout, identical to that used in pre-season testing just one week ago is a 5.4-kilometre track comprised of 15 corners, most of which involve heavy braking zones. This circuit is considered to be one of the more challenging venues for cars and drivers especially due to the heat. A perfect ground for testing and the opening round of the season.
Looking back to the 2014 race, could we see the rejuvenation of Sergio Perez to give Max Verstappen a duel in the desert? Or maybe Charles Leclerc or Lando Norris will be the chosen ones?
Last year in Bahrain, Verstappen and Red Bull cleared off into the distance to claim an easy first win for the Dutchman. His Mexican teammate, Perez, followed him home for a one-two. Mercedes and Ferrari especially will be on a mission to disrupt the Red Bull party in Sakhir this year.
2024 Testing Winners And Losers
Winner: Ferrari
Carlos Sainz came out of Testing in front, but a lot can change between the end of testing and the first race weekend. The Prancing Horses are always strong pre-season, but can they retain this pace consistently throughout the season? Will Sainz be 100% committed come the second half of the season with his future up in the air?
Image Credit: Formula One
Loser: Alpine
Eighth in the mileage standings, Alpine have kept their proverbial cards close to their chest. Team boss Bruno Famin said they completed their planned programme – however, they clocked up 200 fewer kilometres compared to what they achieved last year.
Image Credit: Clive Rose & Getty Images
Winner: RB
Perhaps the dark horse of pre-season testing, RB came out of the gates kicking with Daniel Ricciardo putting the team inside the top five on each of the last two days of running. With a front and rear end adopted from the 2023 Red Bull, there's no doubt that both Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will be close to the front.
Image Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Loser: Aston Martin
Before you get your pitchfork and torch, hear me out... Aston Martin showed a mediocre and inconsistent pace throughout the testing days. However, a car that is designed around receiving upgrades could mean that the best is yet to come for Lawrence Stroll's beloved Astons.
Image Credit: Formula One
So who do you think Bahrain will favour? Will Red Bull reign supreme again? Or can Ferrari and Mercedes upset the balance of Verstappen's charging bull?
