(Photo : Clive Rose/Getty Images) BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends the Drivers Press Conference throughout previews forward of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain.
An surprising challenger to Red Bull may very well be rising as a formidable competitor for the upcoming 2024 Formula One season, following a formidable efficiency through the second free apply forward of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
During the second apply session on Tuesday, February 28, on the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, the 2 Mercedes vehicles claimed the highest positions on the time sheets.
Lewis Hamilton recorded the quickest lap with a time of 1m 30.374s, intently adopted by George Russell, who clocked in at 1m 30.580s.
This spectacular lap by the British driver, set through the halfway level of the session, remained unmatched as groups shifted their focus to longer runs, leaving Hamilton’s lap 0.206s forward of his teammate.
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso accomplished the highest three by posting a time of 1min 30.660s, whereas three-time defending world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull was in sixth place, together with his quickest lap going at 1min 30.851s.
Mercedes shocked with good displaying
Hamilton admitted to being taken without warning after topping the timesheets.
“Again I don’t understand, it’s a shock to see us where we are. We’ll take it for now but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We need to keep our heads down, keep working on the set-up,” the seven-time world champion mentioned.
However, the longer term Scuderia Ferrari driver added that the staff’s long-run tempo is presently not on par with Red Bull’s, and so they have work to do in that space.
Russell remarked that the automotive now feels a lot nearer to the best race automotive expertise. However, he identified that there’s nonetheless a necessity to handle the bouncing challenge, which was a priority and one thing they encountered final week in pre-season testing.
While the staff showcased a commendable efficiency in FP2, the correct indicator of a considerably improved efficiency will probably be revealed by their ends in qualifying on Friday.
Ferrari drivers impressed with Mercedes’ efficiency
Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. expressed their admiration for Mercedes’ efficiency in FP2.
“Mercedes look strong, which is a bit of a surprise. But we don’t know which fuel [level] they were running, so I think we’ll have all our answers tomorrow.. At least on our side… no bad surprises,” Leclerc mentioned.
On the opposite hand, Sainz Jr. admitted that the eight-time Constructors’ champion could also be poised to contend for the title after two years of being distant from being among the many greatest vehicles within the grid behind Red Bull and Ferrari.
“It just shows you can never look into testing, because people tend to not show all their cards, and it’s clear Mercedes are going to be in the fight,” the outgoing Spanish driver mentioned.
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