F1 team principal REPLACED as health update issued… read more
The Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain has been marked by unexpected weather conditions, with rain hitting the track during Thursday morning’s session. The teams were caught off guard, with only Aston Martin and Haas prepared with wet weather tires. Esteban Ocon was the only driver brave enough to venture out onto the track on intermediate tires.
However, the inclement weather has not only affected the teams’ testing schedules but also taken a toll on the health of one of the team principals. Sauber boss Mattia Binotto was noticeably absent from the media duties on Thursday, with Sky F1 presenter Ted Kravitz revealing that Binotto had lost his voice due to the cold weather.
Kravitz jokingly attributed Binotto’s illness to the chilly Bahrain weather, saying, “Wishing Mattia Binotto a return to full health by the way, he’s lost his voice which was why he was replaced in the press conference earlier with the technical director James Key. Poor Mattia, the chill of Bahrain has not been kind to his throat.”
Binotto’s absence was felt, but James Key, the technical director, stepped in to fill the void, providing valuable insights into the team’s testing progress. Despite the minor setback, the Sauber team remains focused on fine-tuning their car ahead of the new season.
The Bahrain testing has provided a unique opportunity for teams to assess their new designs and make necessary adjustments before the first race weekend in Australia. Carlos Sainz set the fastest time overall on Thursday, closely followed by the two Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. However, it’s essential to note that the true order of the field will only be revealed during the first race weekend in Melbourne.
As the teams continue to test and refine their cars, the F1 community is eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. The unexpected weather conditions in Bahrain have added an extra layer of complexity to the testing schedule, but the teams are adapting and making the most of the available track time.
In conclusion, the Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain has been marked by unexpected weather conditions and a minor health scare for Sauber team principal Mattia Binotto. Despite the setbacks, the teams remain focused on preparing for the new season, and the F1 community is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2025 season. With the first race weekend in Australia just around the corner, the teams will be looking to make the most of the remaining testing time to fine-tune their cars and gain a competitive edge.
