Verstappen from Schumacher in Testing Day One

[Paul Jeffrey]

Max Verstappen edged out Mick Schumacher for fastest time in a rain affected Bahrain in-season F1 test.

Verstappen from Schumacher... damn, that brings back some memories. Not Jos vs Michael this time, but their offspring had a moment in the sunshine (and rain) today in Bahrain, with Max taking a late charge to fastest overall from the opening day of a two day test, toppling what would have been a perfect Formula One debut for 20-year-old Formula Two driver Mick Schumacher.

Surprisingly the weather in Bahrain would cause quite some delays during the track action today, with two separate sprinklings of rain causing up to four hours of track action delays for the teams present for the first in-season test of the season. Unsurprisingly, no one thought to bring wet or intermediate tyres to a venue usually hot and dry, so the unseasonable wet conditions would play havoc with the running programmes of each driver out on circuit.

Despite the delays, it would be a productive day for many of the attendees, with plenty of running undertaken by the drivers despite the unusual weather induced interruptions on track. As well as taking fastest time, Verstappen would also be one of the most productive runners today, managing a very respectable 62 laps in his Red Bull Honda, eclipsed only by Albon, Hamilton and Formula One returnee Fernando Alonso - the Spanish ace racking up plenty of mileage as he and McLaren conducted 2020 tyre testing duties for Pirelli.

Despite a busy day on track, undoubtedly the Ferrari of Mick Schumacher would steal the headlines across the globe. The Ferrari young driver making a first step into Formula One life with the Prancing Horse, and by all accounts acquitting himself well with his new steed, as the second generation Schumacher drove faultlessly and quick on his first outing in modern Formula One machinery.

Schumacher will be in action again tomorrow too, swapping Ferrari red for Alfa Romeo.. errr, red, as he enjoys more seat time with a 2019 specification Grand Prix car.

F1 testing continues for the second and final day on Wednesday, 3rd April

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[NDG]

That doesn't mean anything, does it? If Hamilton is 6th and there are 9 places in between Norris and Alonso.

 

[samprince053]

That doesn't mean anything, does it? If Hamilton is 6th and there are 9 places in between Norris and Alonso.

It means nothing, just testing like Barcalona, lap times are completely irrespective of the cars true pace

 

[Transyt]

This thread is not about lap times, it's about a name.

 

[Enagee]

I can say one thing is correct on the leader board.........................Williams

 

[Jordan Dion]

Williams are garbage this year .. it is sad to see this.

Hope to see Schumi jr next year

 

[RichardHessels]

Williams are garbage this year .. it is sad to see this.
Hope to see Schumi jr next year

Would first like to see Shumi-JR dominating F2. Before he gets put it a full season of F1.
For now he was 34 sec slower in the 32 lap first race, only finishing 9th and 25 second slower than the leader in the 2nd 23 lap race, finishing 6th. While Prema's team is one of the best around.

 

[Sasha Jednak]

Would first like to see Shumi-JR dominating F2. Before he gets put it a full season of F1.
For now he was 34 sec slower in the 32 lap first race, only finishing 9th and 25 second slower than the leader in the 2nd 23 lap race, finishing 6th. While Prema's team is one of the best around.

Definitely, he should be in F2 this and probably next season, and show that he can win (or even dominate).
As for Bahrain results, I am watching it like this: in both races he was 2nd rookie (behind Hubert and Zhou). And it pretty much looked like DAMS and Virtuosi teams, were in Merc/Ferrari zone for Bahrain races. It should be interesting season.

 

[Diogo Goetz Brand]

The fact that Mercedes never goes fast on tests just grinds my gears.
Y U no go fast Mercedes?

 

[apex11]

The fact that Mercedes never goes fast on tests just grinds my gears.
Y U no go fast Mercedes?

Could b based on Fuel loads, tyres....and also, how much do you need to test when you know you are only competing with Ferrari?
Anyone can under fuel a race car and get a glory lap in on the best tyres.... Merc simply don't need to do that or prove anything till Qually...

 

[Paul Glover]

This tweet tickled me.

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[Turk]

Would first like to see Shumi-JR dominating F2. Before he gets put it a full season of F1.
For now he was 34 sec slower in the 32 lap first race, only finishing 9th and 25 second slower than the leader in the 2nd 23 lap race, finishing 6th. While Prema's team is one of the best around.

I think with these young lads the sooner they get them in an F1 car the better. The thing is the teenage brain is a bit different from an adult brain, they've still got better learning abilities, they are bigger risk takers, they want it more. While F2 offers a good learning experience we all know where Schumacher is going to end up. They may as well cut to the chase and give him as much track experience in an F1 car as they can. He may have a **** year or two but he'll pay out in the end.

 

[Diogo Goetz Brand]

I think with these young lads the sooner they get them in an F1 car the better. The thing is the teenage brain is a bit different from an adult brain, they've still got better learning abilities, they are bigger risk takers, they want it more. While F2 offers a good learning experience we all know where Schumacher is going to end up. They may as well cut to the chase and give him as much track experience in an F1 car as they can. He may have a **** year or two but he'll pay out in the end.

There may be a seat available at Alfa for him even before the end of the season.

 

[Dave Stephenson]

Props to Williams though for being heros and going out in testing and setting representative times

 

[RichardHessels]

I think with these young lads the sooner they get them in an F1 car the better. The thing is the teenage brain is a bit different from an adult brain, they've still got better learning abilities, they are bigger risk takers, they want it more. While F2 offers a good learning experience we all know where Schumacher is going to end up. They may as well cut to the chase and give him as much track experience in an F1 car as they can. He may have a **** year or two but he'll pay out in the end.

I rather see drivers a bit older, with more experience and a better evolved brain. Human brain is only fully developed at 25. If a driver now is in his mid 20's he is almost are to old to start in F1.
The sports want to attract a younger audience by putting teenagers in F1.
It's just a business model being executed.

 

[Turk]

I rather see drivers a bit older, with more experience and a better evolved brain.

AKA boring. A seasoned head will know to drive to a delta to get the car to the end of the race. They're too professional.