Verstappen is already dominating, but Ferrari is hoping

Regardless of the fuss surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, world champion Max Verstappen decided the start of the Formula 1 test drives in Bahrain.

22. February 2024

From: dpa/fop

The Dutchman completed the first day in the Sakhir desert with the best time in 1:31,344 minutes. The three-time champion, whose team boss Horner is the subject of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior, completed a total of 142 laps on Wednesday.

Verstappen relegated McLaren driver Lando Norris (+1,140 seconds) to second place by a clear margin, while Carlos Sainz (+1,240 seconds) in the Ferrari came third. However, the times are only of limited significance because the racing teams run different programs. The focus of all racing teams was on collecting data to make the new cars World Cup ready.

“I had a lot of fun on the track today.” Max Verstappen

“It's a good feeling to be in an F1 car again and I had a lot of fun on the track today,” said Verstappen. “After the winter break, the first laps are always a little surprising, but then you quickly get back into the swing of things. Overall the car responded well and considering it was just a test we had a nice day.”

What happens to Horner?

The Horner case smolders in the background. At the beginning of February, parent company Red Bull initiated an “independent investigation” into the allegations against the team boss. He is accused of misconduct in his dealings with an employee who directly reports to him. An external specialist lawyer had the Brit, the longest-serving team boss in the premier motorsport class, give his opinion during an hour-long conversation. Horner denies the allegations. It is unclear whether he will remain in office. Formula 1 hopes that the procedure will be “clarified as quickly as possible”. The official test drives last until Friday.

Christian Horner is facing serious allegations. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

In addition to Sergio Perez, Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton also had Wednesday off, while all other teams divided the two day sessions between their regular drivers. Charles Leclerc was initially in action at Ferrari and delivered the second best time, almost seven tenths behind Verstappen. Sainz took over in the afternoon.

Sainz's declaration of war

The Spaniard explained at lunchtime that the Scuderia wants to stand up to Red Bull more this year. We now have “hopefully a faster car on the types of tracks on which we had problems last year,” said Sainz, who wants to recommend himself to a new team in 2024 with top placings.

Next year, Hamilton will receive the 29-year-old's cockpit. This step by Ferrari came as a surprise to him, said Sainz, who had expected a contract extension. “In the end it didn’t happen,” he lamented. “I am free for 2025 and have no idea where I will drive,” said Sainz, who wants to examine all options.

Carlos Sainz during his test drive on Wednesday. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff explained that there would be no quick decision about Hamilton's successor. They want to take their time, the focus is currently on developing the car. “So far the feedback from the drivers has been: Yes, this is something we can start working with and that is encouraging,” emphasized the 52-year-old Viennese. The first race of the season will take place in Bahrain on March 2nd.