Summary
The final pre-season test for Formula 1 before the new season showed that Ferrari and Mercedes are strong competitors, with Charles Leclerc achieving the fastest lap time. However, Aston Martin faced significant challenges, needing improvement in their new car's performance and reliability. Testing in Bahrain provided insights for teams as they prepare for the start of the season in Australia.
Key Facts
- Charles Leclerc from Ferrari had the fastest lap in pre-season testing, 0.811 seconds ahead of the next best driver.
- Andre Stella from McLaren stated that Ferrari and Mercedes seem to be the leading teams going into the new season.
- Mercedes and Ferrari's positions are based on both single lap times and race-simulation runs, which reflect longer race conditions.
- McLaren and Red Bull followed closely behind in performance conversations.
- Mercedes has concerns over car reliability, affecting some drivers like Kimi Antonelli more than others.
- Aston Martin, beginning a partnership with Honda, faced issues with performance, reliability, and completed the fewest laps during testing.
- McLaren is expected to improve in Australia with an updated Mercedes power-unit.
- Red Bull's engine, a new entry by Mercedes, has strong energy deployment, crucial for the season.
