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F1 Bahrain testing: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc goes fastest in first session

In second place was former Red Bull and current Williams driver Alex Albon, who was half a second behind the Monegasque.

By Nilavro Ghosh | Mar 10, 2022 | 2 Min Read

Ferrari seems to have finally gotten their formula right with the F1-75, at least in the first session of the Bahrain testing on Thursday. Charles Leclerc went the fastest out of the pack, clocking a lap time of 1:34.531. In second place was former Red Bull and current Williams driver Alex Albon, who was half a second behind the Monegasque. Veteran racer Sebastian Vettel set the third fastest time for Aston Martin as he finished 1.175 seconds behind Leclerc. Red Bull and Mercedes finished in fourth and fifth respectively. Sergio Perez was the man behind the wheel for Christian Horner’s team while the constructor’s champion sent out former world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The sidepods of the Mercedes W13 were a matter of interest as they both seemed much smaller than regular ones. It seemed that they were just within the legal limits but an investigation is likely. The FIA may end up banning the sidepods. However, if they are within legal limits, teams are sure to adapt something similar.

There were reports and speculations from the paddock that Red Bull boss Christian Horner would have something to say about the sidepods but he reportedly decided otherwise. F1 managing director Ross Brawn also admitted that he was surprised by Mercedes’ interpretation of the new regulations that are in place.

Alpine’s Estaban Ocon set the sixth-fastest time, followed by an impressive display by rookie Guanyu Zhou of Alfa Romeo. It was a disappointing session for AlphaTauri and McLaren as Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly finished eighth and ninth respectively. The Haas team did not send out a driver in the first session.