Max Verstappen leads Charles Leclerc in 2024 F1 Testing opener in Bahrain
Verstappen claimed the top spot on the timesheets after two hours
Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen asserted his dominance in the first four hours of testing in the 2024 F1 pre-season.
Following an extended winter hiatus, all ten teams resumed their on-track activities at the Bahrain International Circuit for the first time since their respective shakedowns.
Teams have a three-day testing window before the commencement of the new season on March 2 in Bahrain. Verstappen claimed the top spot on the timesheets after two hours, posting a time of 1m33.065, surpassing Fernando Alonso's previous benchmark by 0.3 seconds. Shortly thereafter, Verstappen improved his time further, achieving an overall best of 1m32.548s.
However, it's important to note that these early times are over two seconds slower than Verstappen's pole time in 2023. Verstappen completed a smooth first session for his team, covering 66 laps in the new RB20.
Charles Leclerc, driving the SF-24, trailed Verstappen by just under 0.7 seconds, completing 64 laps. Leclerc will hand over to his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz, for the afternoon session. Fernando Alonso secured the third position in the AMR24, 0.837 seconds adrift of Verstappen.
Oscar Piastri, after a slow start, managed to complete 56 laps and set the fourth-fastest time, 1.1 seconds behind the leader. Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, and Valtteri Bottas followed in the fifth, sixth, and seventh positions, respectively.
Alex Albon, despite finishing eighth overall, faced a premature end to his session due to a fuel-related issue. Esteban Ocon, with the ninth-best time, encountered challenges with his Alpine, running off into the gravel at Turn 4 twice. Kevin Magnussen concluded the day as the slowest of the ten drivers, trailing by 3.1 seconds.
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