Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen asserted his dominance on the opening day of 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain for Red Bull Racing. Verstappen, who also led the testing on the opening day last year, showcased impressive speed once again, finishing the day well clear of his competitors in the RB20.
The Dutch driver, one of only two drivers to run for a full day, recorded an impressive 143 laps in the RB20, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season. Leading the morning session with a seven-tenths lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen briefly lost the top spot to McLaren’s Lando Norris in the afternoon conditions.
Despite being only the first day of testing, Verstappen’s commanding performance has sent a clear message to the rest of the field. He concluded the day over a full second faster than his closest competition, hinting at a potential ominous advantage for Red Bull Racing. The speed and comfort displayed by Verstappen with the RB20 bodes well for the team’s prospects in the 2024 season.
As F1 enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the racing season, Max Verstappen’s formidable showing on the first day of testing has set high expectations for Red Bull Racing. With the pre-season testing well underway, all eyes are on how the competing teams will respond to Verstappen’s impressive performance, and how they will fine-tune their own machinery to challenge the reigning world champion.
