F1 News: Red Bull's True Pace Could Be Terrifying

Max Verstappen might have offered some hint of what Red Bull is capable of in the 2024 season while running on C3 medium tires.

During the conclusive day of pre-season testing, Max Verstappen might have worryingly revealed Red Bull RB20's genuine speed compared to their competitors. Under anticipated race conditions in Bahrain, Verstappen strategically opted for a set of C3 medium tires and conducted an impressive 14-lap run at a consistent pace, sending a clear message of intent.

Key Takeaways:

• Max Verstappen's strategic use of C3 medium tires during the final day of pre-season testing showcased the Red Bull RB20's impressive pace and tire management capabilities, signaling a competitive edge.
• Ferrari's SF-24 demonstrated improved on-track performance, thanks to focused winter efforts for a more stable car. However, challenges persisted, as Charles Leclerc's car experienced a drop in pace at the end of its C3 run.
• The observations highlight the need for further improvements in Ferrari's performance to match Red Bull's competitiveness, while other teams like Aston Martin and McLaren faced challenges and adjustments in their setups.

On the conclusive day of pre-season testing, there was a notable on-track performance from various cars, with Ferrari and McLaren showcasing heightened performance. However, it was when Verstappen took to the track in the RB20, equipped with C3 medium tires, amid a drop in outdoor temperature to 23 degrees Celsius, that the true capabilities of the car became evident.

Red Bull Press Image

After completing ten laps on the C3 tires, Verstappen set his fastest time with the medium rubber of 1:37.058. Impressively, he maintained consistent lap times in the 1:37 range even after completing 14 laps, indicating the RB20's excellent handling of tire degradation.

In contrast to Verstappen's RB20, Charles Leclerc's SF-24 experienced a drop in pace towards the end of its C3 run, reaching the 1:38 zone. This difference in performance suggests that Red Bull might have a competitive edge in terms of pace during a Grand Prix.

Ferrari's concentrated winter endeavors aimed at providing a more stable and predictable car for its drivers have yielded improved on-track performance with the SF-24. However, there is room for further enhancements to compete with Red Bull at the forefront. Challenges were also evident for Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who experienced a drop in pace using the C3 medium rubber, entering the 1:38 zone once, and McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who dropped into the 1:39s. These observations underscore the necessity for swift setup adjustments in the Papaya team.

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