2023 Bahrain Grand Prix - Sakhir, March 03 - 05

[Vanja #66]

Where did Ferrari/RB extra performance come from relative to AMR? Engine or fuel loads?

Very likely both. Those with 10 and more years following testing behind them know what's pumping up the numbers (AMR) and what's following a programme (RB, Ferrari). Good for AMR to get the hype up, investments need to be justified

[avantman]

A bit dissapointed Ferrari decided to run away from the fight for pole. I thought they had a real chance, Charles confirmed that. But who knows, maybe that call will win the race for them tommorrow.

[langedweil]

Oh I think Leclerc could have been close, so let’s calm down Red Bull fans. I find it very odd that Ferrari didn’t try again unless it was a technical issue but apparently it might be tactical choice to save tyres. We’ll see.

Leclerc even says he would have been in the fight for pole and chose to keep the new tyres, so definitely it’s not a ‘dominant’ or ‘ominous’ RB margin…

Might even see a 4way battle at times if AMR can keep up ..which will be easier nowadays than in the past with the budgetcap & CFD/WT time.

[matt_b]

So Aston 'glory run' Martin not so quick over 1 lap afterall 0.628 is a long way back but to be fair they only got 1 run and would've had to leave some margin.

[maseboogie]

That was a wild game of "possum" by RB there. Max went full "That's cool, watch this!" mode in Q3. And Checo putting in a heater at the end not too far off from Max was fun to watch as well. Big shoutout to AMR (and especially Fernando who's giving a mighty "F*** you!" to Alpine right about now).

[Artur Craft]

What happened to Pierre Gasly?

Not good enough. He was not quick enough to begin with and went off track on his way to a mediocre lap

[Juzh]

Where did Ferrari/RB extra performance come from relative to AMR? Engine or fuel loads?

What were the speed traps? I believe you said earlier that RB was matching Ferrari.

No, ferrari was consistently 2-3 kmh faster.

[Gillian]

Epic to see Perez on par with Max. Thats a big improvement from last year.

Not really, Perez was close in qualifying from time to time last year as well. Let's wait and see tomorrow.

He was, but dont forget the RB18 grew away from him a little during last season. To say the evolution of that car has brought him closer is positive.

He was nowhere in first few races compared to Verstappen, when the car was understeering and to his liking. Like I said, let's see tomorrow.
I can see Alonso being a threat to Perez. Or maybe I'm just hoping.... Come on Fred!

[GrizzleBoy]

What happened to Pierre Gasly?

Same as Hulk - lap time deleted at a moment when there was no chance to have another go. For Gasly it happened in Q1 unfortunately.

That'll be very painful given that establishing first driver status with Ocon as your teammate is pretty much critical

[avantman]

So Aston 'glory run' Martin not so quick over 1 lap afterall 0.628 is a long way back but to be fair they only got 1 run and would've had to leave some margin.

0.628 not fair judgement. it was 0.443 after single run in Q3. and arguably Fernando left a tenth on that run as well compared to Max.

[Sevach]

So Aston 'glory run' Martin not so quick over 1 lap afterall 0.628 is a long way back but to be fair they only got 1 run and would've had to leave some margin.

Did Alonso run out of tires? Disappointed that he did just 1 run.

[langedweil]

Oh I think Leclerc could have been close, so let’s calm down Red Bull fans. I find it very odd that Ferrari didn’t try again unless it was a technical issue but apparently it might be tactical choice to save tyres. We’ll see.

I don't see a lot of RB fans cheering for a 'done and dusted season' though, what's there to calm down?
The people that seem to think '23 is already over aren't the RB fans to be sure.

Well, it appears for McL and to an extend for MB ... but Fer is right there. Fer was ahead by 60pts after 3 races last year, 23 races is a long time.

[mendis]

So Aston 'glory run' Martin not so quick over 1 lap afterall 0.628 is a long way back but to be fair they only got 1 run and would've had to leave some margin.

They are ahead of Mercedes!

[Gillian]

Kinda bad session for the new guys... Sargeant, Piastri, De Vries....

[avantman]

So Aston 'glory run' Martin not so quick over 1 lap afterall 0.628 is a long way back but to be fair they only got 1 run and would've had to leave some margin.

Did Alonso run out of tires? Disappointed that he did just 1 run.

only Ferrari and RBR drivers had 2 new sets for Q3.