The Formula 1 drivers collect important impressions in their new company car during the test weekend in Bahrain. Times and placements should be treated with caution, but at Red Bull they are very happy with their cars. World Champion Max Verstappen “feels very good”.
Sergio Perez set the best time on the final day of Formula 1 testing at the Red Bull. After the two-time world champion Max Verstappen had made a strong impression in the new racing car of the Austrian industry leader during the three-day test laps in the Sakhir desert, Perez drove to first place. The Mexican also did more than 130 laps.
On the Bahrain International Circuit, Perez relegated record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes to second place by a good three and a half tenths of a second. Third was Valtteri Bottas in the Alfa Romeo ahead of Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz. Nico Hülkenberg, German Formula 1 returnee with the American Haas team as the successor to the retired Mick Schumacher, came in 15th. Schumacher, who is only working as a test and reserve driver for Mercedes this season, was not in the car in Bahrain.
However, the placements and times should all be treated with caution. The racing teams complete different programs with different fast or slower tire compounds or different amounts of fuel.
However, it became clear that the new car of defending champion Red Bull is fast and durable. Also to Verstappen’s delight: “I’m very happy with the test phase, every time I jumped into the car I felt good and was able to push straight away.” The challengers don’t have much time for further improvements. The season also starts in Bahrain next weekend.
