Bahrain Test: Kimi Antonelli Sets the Pace for Mercedes
Recent testing at the bahrain international Circuit saw Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap time,signaling a strong start to the Formula 1 season. Antonelli clocked a time of 1 minute 33.669 seconds,leading a Mercedes 1-2 with George Russell finishing just behind at 1:33.918 https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/bahrain-test-kimi-antonelli-sets-the-pace-for-mercedes.html.
Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, secured the third fastest time with a 1:34.209, followed closely by his Ferrari teammate charles Leclerc (1:34.273).McLaren also demonstrated competitive pace, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing fifth and sixth respectively, posting times of 1:34.549 and 1:34.669.
Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing finished seventh with a time of 1:34.798.
Here’s a complete look at the fastest lap times from the Bahrain test:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 1:33.669
- George Russell (Mercedes) 1:33.918
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 1:34.209
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1:34.273
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1:34.549
- Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:34.669
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:34.798
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) 1:35.349
- Esteban Ocon 1:35.578
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 1:35.806
- Nico hulkenberg (Audi) 1:36.291
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) 1:35.610
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) 1:36.670
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1:36.765
- Alex Albon (Williams) 1:36.793
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 1:36.808
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) 1:36.824
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) 1:37.186
- arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) 1:37.470
- lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 1:38.165
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 1:38.248
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) 1:38.653
The test results indicate a close competition among several teams, with Mercedes appearing notably strong. The teams will continue to refine their setups as they prepare for the opening race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, also at the Bahrain International Circuit.