Second winter tests: a strong start for Russell

Usually, with each passing day of testing, the number of issues and lost track time decreases. This year, however, the situation is different due to the major regulation changes and the extended test program.

The opening day of the final test series — effectively the seventh day for many teams, taking into account three of the five days in Barcelona — saw even more stoppages than the earlier sessions. Almost everyone took to the track: 21 drivers appeared on the timing sheets, with only Max Verstappen watching from the sidelines.

Aston Martin once again encountered issues with the Honda power unit, limiting Fernando Alonso to just 28 laps. The engine was later replaced, but in the afternoon Lance Stroll went off before Turn 11 due to a gearbox failure, bringing out a red flag.

Earlier in the day, Isack Hadjar completed 13 laps before stopping with a cooling system problem. Red Bull carried out repairs and returned the car to the track after the break.

Ferrari drew attention in the morning with a new rear wing, and Charles Leclerc set the fastest time. In the afternoon, however, Lewis Hamilton spent more than an hour in the garage while mechanics adjusted the setup. The team compared two aerodynamic configurations, and Hamilton later completed a series of laps using aero paint.

It was another difficult day for Cadillac. Sergio Perez managed only 24 laps in the morning due to sensor issues, while Valtteri Bottas joined the session midway through the afternoon. Drivers also carried out practice overtaking and racing simulations, though conditions varied as teams were running different fuel loads.

At the end of the session, at the FIA’s request, drivers tested an updated start procedure in response to safety concerns.

During one of the start simulations, Nico Hülkenberg’s Audi stalled. By the end of the day, there were no further incidents of that kind, though the starts looked and sounded unusual. Getting used to the rising whine of the turbochargers off the line will take some time.

George Russell set a 1:33.459, the fastest time so far in the Bahrain tests.

Testing continues tomorrow.