F1 Bahrain Test: Norris Fastest, Ferrari Debuts Trick Rear Wing

During the Formula 1 pre-season trials in Bahrain, Lando Norris achieved a record-breaking fastest lap, surpassing Max Verstappen, even as Ferrari unveiled an innovative rear wing before encountering a mechanical malfunction.

The reigning F1 champion, Norris, recorded a time of 1m33.453s using C3 compound tires, improving upon George Russell’s prior best from the previous afternoon by 0.006 seconds, securing the leading position in the morning trial by a margin of 0.131 seconds over Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Ferrari drew considerable notice earlier on by introducing a novel rear wing capable of a 180-degree rotation, a component sanctioned by F1’s revised active aerodynamics regulations, which would return to its default orientation during deceleration.

However, the Italian team’s satisfaction was fleeting, given that Lewis Hamilton managed to finish merely five laps prior to withdrawing to the pit lane due to an undisclosed chassis problem. Hamilton did manage to reappear on the circuit during the concluding five minutes to participate in the FIA race control system verification and practice starts.

Since most teams concentrated on simulating races and extended runs, the absolute fastest lap records remained undisputed throughout the latter portion of the session, allowing Norris to secure the top time for McLaren.

Russell claimed the third position and the distinction for covering the most distance, as the Mercedes competitor completed 77 laps with largely smooth operation. Alex Albon secured the fourth spot for Williams, likewise achieving a substantial 71 laps.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Audi also experienced hampered advancement due to mechanical issues, with Gabriel Bortoleto completing only 29 laps because of a hydraulic problem necessitating a prolonged cautionary inspection in the pit. Despite this, the Brazilian driver secured the fifth position on the leaderboard after rejoining the circuit in the concluding 40 minutes of the session.

The late advancements made by Bortoleto propelled Oliver Bearman to sixth place for Haas and Franco Colapinto to seventh for Alpine.

Liam Lawson secured the eighth position for Racing Bulls, despite being confined to the garage for an extended duration, resulting in the New Zealander completing a mere 27 laps.

Fernando Alonso experienced a rather subdued performance, finishing in ninth place for Aston Martin, trailing Norris’s fastest time by four seconds, having finalized 40 laps.

Following Hamilton’s tenth position for Ferrari, Valtteri Bottas of Cadillac rounded out the participants, having again been absent from the initial track proceedings due to a technical malfunction, though he managed to complete 58 laps later in the session.

F1 Bahrain Pre-Season Practice – Day 5 Morning Outcomes