We can finally say it: welcome back Formula 1. From this morning, in Bahrain, the air is filled with engines, which for now always see them as protagonists: Red Bull e Ferrari.
It starts again from Red Bull and Ferrari
We are obviously only at the beginning but, at the end of the morning test session, Max Verstappen snatched the best time by lapping very consistently, ahead of Carlos Sainz. The Ferrari, the first of Vasseur (that yes also known in several choices), pursues with a SF-23 that has already got the fans worried. Reaching high speeds, the nose underwent a small bending creating a particular hole. Situation noted with the engineers of the Reds who were able to remedy immediately.
Vasseur: "Positive sensations, but we're only at the beginning"
At the end of this first session, waiting to find out what the track will tell us for the second, the first analyzes of the Ferrari team principal Vasseur have arrived. Here are his words.
How does it feel to be here dressed in red?
“There was a very short break between the first day in Maranello and the tests in Bahrain. The first impressions are very positive, but we are only at the beginning”.
How different is it to be in a team like Ferrari?
“In the end there isn't a big difference: the DNA of a Formula 1 team is always the same. Naturally, the goal is always to try to improve and do our best, perhaps here the motivation is more evident, but when you're a racer, that's always the same motivation".
It's your first time working with Carlos, what are your impressions of him?
“We are talking about a very solid rider. I was very close to working with him at Renault but left the team earlier. But we've known each other for a long time so I can't wait to get started”.
How has Leclerc evolved compared to 2018?
“He's a little bit more mature, I have to say. But I only had a very short session with him in which he didn't race. We love each other: we are talking about an excellent relationship”.
What did Carlos tell you about the car after this first session?
“It's a very preliminary stage, but I can say that the sensations were good. We have developed the planned plan and for now everything is going well ”.
Coming to the technical peculiarities: have you had any complications with the FIA?
“All the teams are in contact with the FIA and are asking for clarifications, we are too and so far nothing has happened. I can therefore say that everything is calm ”.
