The 2021 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, with teams and drivers gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling year of racing. Pre-season testing is a crucial time for teams to fine-tune their cars and get up to speed before the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 28th.
This year’s pre-season testing took place at the Bahrain International Circuit from March 12-14, with each team getting three days of track time to put their new cars through their paces. While testing times don’t always tell the whole story, there were some standout performances and moments that caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
One of the biggest talking points of pre-season testing was the impressive pace of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The two drivers set the fastest times on the first and last days of testing respectively, showcasing their teams’ strong performances in the build-up to the season.
Ferrari also had a strong showing during testing, with new driver Carlos Sainz impressing with his pace and consistency. The team will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season and show that they have what it takes to challenge for wins this year.
Another team to watch in 2021 is Alpine, formerly known as Renault. The team showed promising pace during testing, with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso making his return to the sport after a two-year absence. Alonso and teammate Esteban Ocon will be looking to build on their strong performance in testing and fight for points in the upcoming season.
There were also some concerns raised during testing, with Aston Martin and McLaren experiencing some issues with their cars. Both teams had to deal with technical problems that limited their track time, but they will no doubt be working hard to address these issues before the first race in Bahrain.
Overall, the 2021 F1 pre-season testing provided plenty of excitement and intrigue as teams and drivers prepare for the upcoming season. With new regulations and changes to the cars, there is a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about how the teams will stack up against each other this year.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, with hopes of seeing some thrilling races and fierce battles for the championship. The first race in Bahrain is sure to provide some answers to the questions raised during testing, and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season of Formula 1 racing.