Mercedes Concern As Verstappen And Red Bull Set F1 Testing 'Benchmark' | F1 Update

About this video

• Video Title: Mercedes Concern As Verstappen And Red Bull Set F1 Testing 'Benchmark' | F1 Update
• Channel: RacingNews365com
• Speakers: Nick Golding, Ian
• Duration: 12:32

Overview

This video discusses the first day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. It highlights Max Verstappen and Red Bull setting a strong pace, leading to concerns from Mercedes. The presenters also touch upon Lando Norris's performance, Lewis Hamilton's comments about the new cars being slower, and the general learning curve for teams and drivers with the new regulations.

Key takeaways

• Max Verstappen and Red Bull impressed on the first day of pre-season testing, completing 136 laps despite a minor fluid leak.
• Toto Wolff, impressed by Red Bull's morning running, described their car and power unit as the "benchmark" so far, noting their strong deployment and car handling.
• Lewis Hamilton, while fastest in Barcelona testing, expressed dissatisfaction in Bahrain, comparing the new cars to "GP2" engines, though his lap time was significantly faster than F2 pole position from the previous year.
• Several teams, including Williams (145 laps), Red Bull (136 laps), Ferrari (114 laps), and McLaren (109 laps), completed a significant number of laps, indicating good reliability for many.
• Aston Martin had a difficult start, with Lance Stroll completing only four laps due to a power unit issue.
• Drivers and teams are still experimenting and learning about the new cars and regulations, with significant development expected throughout the testing period.