F1 News: Pre-Season Testing Turns to Chaos As Track Issues Force Session To End

The second day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain was marred by a track issue involving a dislodged drain.

Pre-season testing in Bahrain was abruptly halted on its second day due to track issues, leading to the first red flag of the Formula 1 season. A dislodged drain on the kerbstone at turn 11 caused significant disruptions, necessitating a premature end to the session.

Key Takeaways:

• The second day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain was interrupted by a red flag after a drain became dislodged at turn 11.
• Lewis Hamilton, driving car number 44, was involved in the incident that led to the session's disruption.

The @MercedesAMG Safety Car has come to save the day#F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/6PCAPLoauJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 22, 2024

The Bahrain International Circuit, the stage for the crucial pre-season testing of the 2024 season, witnessed unexpected drama on its second day. The session was brought to a standstill when a drain cover on the kerbstone at turn 11 came loose, posing a significant safety risk to the drivers. The incident involved Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton who inadvertently dislodged the drain cover, which was later ran over by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

The Bahrain International Circuit, the stage for the crucial pre-season testing of the 2024 season, witnessed unexpected drama on its second day. The session was brought to a standstill when a drain cover on the kerbstone at turn 11 came loose, posing a significant safety risk to the drivers. The incident involved Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton who inadvertently dislodged the drain cover, which was later ran over by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

While the morning session was cancelled due to the issue, the afternoon session will restart at 2pm local time until 7pm local time to attempt to make up for the lost time. 

Speculation around the paddock suggests that the incident could have implications beyond the immediate disruption, but this is unconfirmed.

Pre-season testing is a critical time for teams to refine their cars and strategies, and any lost time can have significant impacts on the preparations for the season ahead, especially for those teams who don't have as robust simulation technology.

Final times

1. Charles Leclerc (LEC):
   • Fastest lap: 1:31.750
   • Laps completed: 36
   • Sector times: S1 - 31.525, S2 - 43.004, S3 - 24.248
   • Top speed: 284 KPH
2. Pietro Fittipaldi (PIA):
   • Fastest lap: 1:32.328 (+0.578)
   • Laps completed: 35
   • Sector times: S1 - 32.604, S2 - 44.595, S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 282 KPH
3. Carlos Sainz (SAR):
   • Fastest lap: 1:32.578 (+0.828)
   • Laps completed: 30
   • Sector times: S1 - 30.031, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 285 KPH
4. Sergio Perez (PER):
   • Fastest lap: 1:32.879 (+1.129)
   • Laps completed: 20
   • Sector times: S1 - 29.856, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 284 KPH
5. Fernando Alonso (ALO):
   • Fastest lap: 1:33.053 (+1.303)
   • Laps completed: 31
   • Sector times: S1 - 76.341, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 278 KPH
6. Lewis Hamilton (HAM):
   • Fastest lap: 1:33.225 (+1.475)
   • Laps completed: 39
   • Sector times: S1 - 31.484, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 283 KPH
7. Guanyu Zhou (ZHO):
   • Fastest lap: 1:33.715 (+1.965)
   • Laps completed: 38
   • Sector times: S1 - 71.637, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 280 KPH
8. Pierre Gasly (GAS):
   • Fastest lap: 1:33.804 (+2.054)
   • Laps completed: 33
   • Sector times: S1 - 30.788, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 283 KPH
9. Nico Hulkenberg (HUL):
   • Fastest lap: 1:37.509 (+5.759)
   • Laps completed: 31
   • Sector times: S1 - 31.597, S2 and S3 - Not provided
   • Top speed: 279 KPH
10. Yuki Tsunoda (TSU):
    • Fastest lap: 1:38.074 (+6.324)
    • Laps completed: 40
    • Sector times: S1 - 31.676, S2 and S3 - Not provided
    • Top speed: 274 KPH