First Free Practice Results 2024 Bahrain F1 GP

F1 Race Event: Bahrain Grand Prix
Race Track: Bahrain International Circuit

Daniel Ricciardo of Visa Cash App RB prepares to drive in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit

Weather: dry  19.2°C
Tarmac: dry  34.1°C
Humidity : 39.0%
Wind : 14.7 km/h South
Pressure: 1016 mbar

Daniel Ricciardo Sets the Pace in Bahrain FP1 as 2024 F1 Season Kicks Off

As the 2024 Formula 1 season roared to life under the Bahraini sun, it was Daniel Ricciardo who surprisingly topped the first practice session timesheets, edging out McLaren's dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, at the Bahrain International Circuit. The session, marked by its fair share of drama and intrigue, offered an early glimpse into the competitive landscape that will define the season.

Ricciardo, piloting the RB racer, clocked a best lap of 1m 32.869s, a performance that not only signaled a strong start for the Australian driver but also hinted at an intriguing season ahead. While Ricciardo's pace was commendable, it was just a tenth shy of the FP1 times from the previous year, suggesting there's more to come as the weekend progresses.

The McLaren pair of Norris and Piastri showcased their team's competitive edge, finishing second and third respectively. Their performances underlined McLaren's aspirations to challenge the front runners consistently this season. However, the true pace of all teams remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, given the mixed tire strategies employed during the session.

Amidst the usual early-season teething problems, several drivers faced issues. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both reported gearbox shift anomalies, a concern they'll be eager to rectify before FP2. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu encountered brake problems, limiting his track time and adding pressure on his team to resolve the issue swiftly.

Halfway through the session, the top 10 order was as follows: 1. Piastri, 1:33.113 min (S), 2. Verstappen, +0.422s (M), 3. Russell, +0.636s (M), 4. Pérez, +0.799s (M), 5. Hamilton, +0.812s (M), 6. Alonso, +.0816s (M), 7. Leclerc, +0.953s (M), 8. Sainz, +1.270s, (M), 9. Norris, +1.393s (M) 10. Stroll, +1.551s (M).

The session wasn't without its strategic nuances. While only a handful of teams opted for the soft compound, the majority stuck with mediums, indicating a cautious approach to understanding tire degradation on the challenging Bahraini surface. The ambient temperature of 19°C, coupled with a bothersome breeze, added another layer of complexity to the teams' analysis.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the second practice session, set to take place under cooler, night-time conditions. This session will provide a more representative picture of race pace and qualifying simulations, essential for strategizing the opening grand prix.

As teams pore over the data collected and refine their setups, the paddock buzzes with anticipation. Will Ricciardo maintain his pace, or will the likes of Verstappen, Hamilton, and the emerging talents at McLaren mount a formidable challenge? The stage is set for an enthralling showdown under the Bahrain lights, heralding the start of what promises to be an electrifying 2024 Formula 1 season.

The best sector times around the Bahrain circuit during FP1 were:

• Sector 1: 28.715 sec by Yuki Tsunoda (Visa Cash App RB 01)
• Sector 2: 39.663 sec by Lando Norris (McLaren MCL36)
• Sector 3: 23.147 sec by Carlos Sainz (Ferrari SF-24)

The quickest lap time of last year's first practice was a 1:32.758 min driven by Sergio Pérez on a set of soft tyres underneath the Red Bull RB19

FP1 Times Table 2024 Bahrain GP

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