Lando Norris Surpasses Max Verstappen on Day One Performances

In the opening day of the official Formula 1 pre-season testing, Lando Norris of McLaren made headlines by outpacing reigning champion Max Verstappen. Norris clocked a time of 1m34.669s, beating Verstappen by 0.129 seconds. Despite this, Verstappen completed a remarkable total of 136 laps during the day.

Lando Norris Excels on Day One

Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, set the benchmark time in the morning session with 1m35.602s over 54 laps. After Piastri’s stint, Norris took control of the MCL40, demonstrating impressive performance with an additional 58 laps in the afternoon session. Notably, the total laps logged by Norris surpassed a typical race distance at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Early Track Conditions

Conditions on the first day were challenging due to a ‘green’ track surface, gusty winds, and many drivers evaluating aerodynamic equipment. These factors contributed to a lack of impressive lap times initially. As drivers began to push harder, multiple off-track incidents occurred at Turn 10, generally linked to tailwinds and different braking tactics.

Max Verstappen’s Consistency

Verstappen was the fastest in the morning session, with a time of 1m35.433s. He reached the 100-lap milestone early in the day, showcasing his Red Bull’s capability to manage electrical power efficiently over extended periods. His fastest afternoon lap was 1m34.798s.

Teams and Driver Performances

• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1m35.190s, 80 laps
• Esteban Ocon (Haas): 1m35.578s, 115 laps
• Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): 1m36.433s, 52 laps
• George Russell (Mercedes): 1m36.108s, 56 laps

While Ocon was among the busiest drivers, Mercedes faced challenges regarding its power unit, with Russell lagging behind Norris’s time by 1.439 seconds. Meanwhile, Aston Martin encountered setbacks. Lance Stroll managed only 36 laps due to a “data anomaly” from their new power unit, with a best time of 1m39.883s.

Emerging Concepts from Teams

Audi’s R26 drew attention for its altered sidepod design compared to earlier models. Gabriel Bortoleto completed 49 laps before Nico Hulkenberg encountered issues that led to a red flag. Cadillac also hit the track for the first time, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez contributing to a solid total of laps.

Key Statistics from Day One

Conclusion

The first day of testing not only highlighted Lando Norris’s skills but also provided insights into the competitive dynamics among teams. As teams continue to refine their cars, the upcoming days promise further developments and excitement in the lead-up to the Formula 1 season.