Formula 1 pre-season testing analysis: What we learned in Bahrain

The teams have had just a three-day unofficial shakedown in Barcelona last month and last week’s official test in Bahrain to fine tune their cars for the new season.

And while pre-season testing should never be treated as a solid formguide, there were a few pointers about what we might be able to expect from the season.

Advantage Red Bull?

World Champion Max Verstappen ended ­pre-season at the top of the times and there was an air of smug satisfaction around the Red Bull garage.

It was a different story at Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton claiming the team would not be fighting for wins early in the season.

However, it has become something of a habit for Hamilton to bemoan his winter’s work, only to prove the class of the field when the racing starts.

McLaren on the back foot

McLaren’s resurgence continued last season and they picked up their first win since 2012.

But after a promising start to pre-season, brake cooling issues limited their running in Bahrain.

Additionally Daniel Ricciardo, who struggled to get to grips with the car last year, missed the whole Sakhir test with Covid.

Alpine potential dark horses

With Renault’s hefty budget behind them, Alpine will be looking to make a forward move this year, and testing showed promising signs.

The car looked reliable and consistent on long runs while also putting in some eye-catching lap times on low fuel.

Ferrari flattered?

It’s been plain sailing this winter for Ferrari, who have looked quick and consistent in both Barcelona and Bahrain.

However, the team have a history of looking better in testing than they prove to be during the season.

If they have shown all their cards already then they will struggle to do more than equal last year’s third-place finish in the constructors’ championship.

Red Bull certainly look in better shape and driver Carlos Sainz stated that he expects Mercedes to be ahead of them, too.

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