PACE CHECK: Piastri claims pole with lowest top speed
The practice sessions at the Bahrain Grand Prix revealed that teams are divided in their aerodynamic configurations, with Mercedes standing out with an unusually less loaded rear wing while McLaren opted for very different aerodynamic setup. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo analyses teams'
After the Japanese Grand Prix, teams headed to Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Manama circuit boasts several layouts, with two different ones used for the races in 2010 and 2020, but the current one is 5.412 kilometres in length and features 15 corners, 9 to the right and 6 to the left.
The track is very different to what team experienced in Japan a week ago. Instead of long-radius corners, the Bahrain International Circuit features a series of 90-degree slow corners, long braking and accelerations zones. This track characteristics means that the Sakhir track is one of the toughest on the calendar when it comes to tyres, especially in the braking areas and when traction is required.
The aggregate used for the asphalt at the Bahrain International Circuit is still very abrasive, despite it being quite old now. The surface provides good grip for the tyres, although sand blown onto the track can be a nuisance.
Wear is not usually a limiting factor, neither is graining, but thermal degradation, especially across the rear axle, has a significant impact on tyre performance. Managing that is the key to getting a good result. Overtaking is possible, especially under heavy braking at turns 1, 4 and 11.
As for the pecking order in Sakhir, McLaren were once again miles ahead of the field in FP3, setting up what looked like a two horse race for pole. Both made it to Q3 with ease, but chose to run used tyres at the start of the shootout despite having two fresh sets at their disposal.
Although Mercedes and Ferrari managed to close in on McLaren for the final stages of qualifying, Piastri delivered when it mattered to take his second career pole position after having secure his maiden pole in Suzuka a week ago.
However, Norris couldn’t follow suit as he made a crucial mistake in Turn 1 on his final push lap. his mistake meant that he didn’t just miss out on pole, he wound up a lowly sixth – a surprising result considering how strong McLaren looked all weekend.
Because of a one place grid penalty given to both Mercedes drivers, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start alongside Piastri, having been third quickest in qualifying in 1’30”175. Russell (1’30”009) now moves back to the second row, alongside Pierre Gasly (1’30”216) in the Alpine, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli (1’30”213) is fifth on the grid.
The practice sessions at the Bahrain Grand Prix revealed that teams are divided in their aerodynamic configurations, with Mercedes standing out with an unusually less loaded rear wing while McLaren opted for very different aerodynamic setup.
The papaya outfit opted for a more loaded rear wing for the Bahrain International Circuit. Despite having been dominant across the practice sessions and in qualifying, Piastri ended up last in terms of top speed, having recorded only 315kph across the speed trap. His team-mate Norris achieved a top speed that was 4kph higher, but he still was in the lower end in terms of top speed.
McLaren's direct rivals elected to go another route in terms of aerodynamic configuration. Ferrari achieved 321kph while Red Bull and Mercedes recorded a top speed of 320 kph, confirming that they bolted on a less loaded rear wing on their cars.
Interestingly, Williams driver Alexander Albon and Racing Bulls racer Isack Hajdar recorded the highest top speed, but given the fact that they top speed were significantly higher than what their team-mates achieved, their results were aided by a tow.
