The test stage is not shaking yet: Verstappen in the lead – Horner in civilian clothes

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However, the greatest interest remains with current Red Bull team boss Christian Horner (50). The Briton, caught in the crossfire of speculation, appeared at the circuit in civilian clothes. Unlike all the other eight team leaders. At Kick-Sauber, Alunni Bravi will retain the title of team representative.

End the drama

The PS show should not be allowed to be disrupted by such an embarrassing incident. Once the investigation into inappropriate conduct has been completed, a decision should be made public as soon as possible. In the interest of the sport.

Naturally, all opponents of Red Bull-Honda hesitate to make statements. Horner himself no longer provides information. The man, who rakes in around 12 million euros a year, probably has enough problems with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell at home.

Looking for surprises

Let’s think back a year. After the first day in Bahrain, world champion Verstappen was ahead of Alonso, Sainz, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Albon and Zhou – 12th Bottas.

The balance of power will not change significantly in 2024, as the technology factory will hardly change. Even if there are warnings about surprises.

Only four teams on super soft

For the three sunny test days, each team was allowed to order 35 sets of rubber from Pirelli. What’s interesting is that only Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams and Kick-Sauber each chose two sets of the C5 compound (super soft)! Fast laps are probably planned for a short time.

Only McLaren and Alpine do it without the C4 tires (soft) in addition to the C5. The emphasis is clearly on tests and not on board time. C3 tires (medium) were ordered most often. Mercedes immediately receives 25 sets. Aston Martin asked for 23 sets, and Kick-Sauber asked for the fewest (16).

Ocon in the gravel bed – Hare in misery

After two hours a quick look at the rankings: Verstappen ahead of Leclerc, Alonso, Bottas, Tsunoda, Albon. The only incident: Ocon slid into the gravel in the Alpine. And Leclerc got a flat tire.

Some drivers have already tried a long run (distance attempt) on the hard tire. World Cup sub-team Haas-Ferrari in particular wants to use all three days to analyze the tires in detail. The big problem in 2023 was rapid wear. Hülkenberg and Magnussen were usually very fast on one lap, but then the rubber collapsed.

Bottas at least 68 laps

At Kick-Sauber, Finn Valtteri Bottas (34) completed 68 laps. Only Alonso (77) stayed a little longer on the desert highway. However, the team from Hinwil was (still) too slow – compared to the competition.

The experts’ first verdict: only Ferrari and Aston Martin are well on track next to Red Bull. The rest still have problems and even crash their cars.

At top speed, Verstappen beat his opponents by at least 6 km/h with the Honda power of 321 km/h.

Source : Blick