F1 testing 2024 RECAP: Results and lap times from day two in Bahrain

Enfield Independent

23 February 2024

F1 testing 2024 RECAP: Results and lap times from day two in Bahrain

Follow live updates from day two of F1 testing in Bahrain as we see the 2024 crop of cars out on track

Drive to Survive season 6 - Trailer

The 2024 Formula 1 season starts this week with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit – just a week before the first race of the season at the same track.

It’s been a busy off-season in the world of F1: from Lewis Hamilton’s shock 2025 move to Ferrari being announced to the current investigation into the behaviour of Red Bull boss Christian Horner, there’s been no shortage of intriguing storylines.

But this week sees the cars out on track for the first time with three days of testing, as the drivers and teams get up to speed quickly ahead of a record-breaking 24-race season.

Who will set the early benchmark? And can anyone possibly challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull this year? Testing will give us our first indicator, with Verstappen going fastest on day one ahead of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. Sainz was quickest on day two, with Sergio Perez in second and Lewis Hamilton is third.

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F1 testing 2024 LIVE: The grid eager to go racing

Some racing at the end of day two.

Kieran Jackson23 February 2024 02:00

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F1 testing 2024 LIVE: Sky Sports F1 make major commentator change with David Croft to miss three races

Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator David Croft will miss three races this season – the first time he has missed a race in 16 years – with BBC Radio 5 Live

Croft has been Sky’s lead commentator since the broadcaster obtained the UK rights to Formula 1 from the BBC in 2012 and has not missed a race in that 11-year period.

But ahead of a record 24 races in 40 weeks in 2024, the broadcaster known as “Crofty” has decided to step back from three grand prix weekends to manage his workload, The Independent can reveal.

Benjamin, an F1 broadcaster who as well as 5 Live also worked on Sky’s coverage of F1 Juniors last year, will replace Croft at Imola in May, Austria in June and Azerbaijan in September.

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

Kieran Jackson23 February 2024 00:03

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F1 testing 2024 LIVE: George Russell on his potential 2025 team-mate:

“Ultimately, the decision is with Toto [Wolff] and the board.

“We’ve already had conversations and I’ve been with Toto a lot this winter, so seeing the drivers’ names pop up on the telephone has been quite funny.

“Even on my phone as well, I’ve had a few phone calls and text messages so it’s been quite interesting. As a team, we’ve got a good opportunity and we’re in a really good position to go into this next chapter, [after] there’s been so much success with Lewis and Mercedes.”

Kieran Jackson22 February 2024 22:50

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F1 testing 2024 LIVE: Teams’ championship odds!

No surprises who the favourites are here... but McLaren in second may be a surprise!

Constructors’ championship - winner odds:

Red Bull - 2/9

McLaren - 7/1

Mercedes, Ferrari - 17/2

Aston Martin - 50/1

Alpine - 250/1

Visa Cash App RB - 300/1

Williams, Sauber - 500/1

Haas - 1000/1

Kieran Jackson22 February 2024 21:30

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F1 testing 2024 LIVE: Christian Horner at team principals press conference

Horner on criticism by McLaren boss Zak Brown on Red Bull owning two teams:

“I don’t understand the noise that’s being created about it.

“The commitment that Red Bull has made to these two teams is outstanding and should be applauded, and be grateful for, rather than derided.”

Kieran Jackson22 February 2024 20:45

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Christian Horner wants his future resolved ‘as soon as possible’ amid ‘inappropriate behaviour’ probe

Christian Horner wants his Red Bull future to be resolved “as soon as possible” as the embattled team principal fights to save his Formula One career.

Red Bull Racing’s parent company Red Bull GmbH announced on February 5 that Horner is being investigated

Horner addressed the media alongside four other F1 team principals on the second day of this week’s three-day test in Bahrain on Thursday. The new season starts in the Gulf kingdom next Saturday.

Asked why he has not moved aside as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull Racing with the investigation under way, Horner replied: “As you are well aware there is a process going on which I form part of, and as I form part of that process, I am afraid I cannot comment on it.”

Full piece below:

Kieran Jackson22 February 2024 18:40

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