What we learned from F1 2024's first proper day

Summary

The first day of practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix revealed insights into the 2024 Formula 1 pecking order. Mercedes achieved its top winter target of curing rear instability, though bouncing remains a concern. Williams overcame severe preseason struggles including outdated processes to ready its car. Red Bull still looks strongest, with Ferrari likely second best. Mercedes and Aston Martin showed single-lap pace in FP2 while Red Bull focused on race trim. Significant progress across the grid but Alpine notably trails rivals. The evidence suggests an intriguing weekend ahead, even if Red Bull retains an advantage.

Takeaways

• 😊 Mercedes has achieved its top winter target of curing rear instability
• 👍 Mercedes drivers pleasantly surprised by performance, but bouncing still an issue
• 😕 Williams narrowly avoided missing pre-season testing due to internal process issues
• 🏎 Red Bull still looks strong, Mercedes step forward from testing
• 😟 Alpine struggling with bump reactions and inconsistent balance
• 😐 McLaren mixed - better than 2023 car but still limitations in low speed corners
• ⚙️ Mercedes' front wing design questioned but FIA say no issues
• 😕 Lando Norris disappointed with McLaren's progress over winter
• 🏁 FB2 order mixed up due to conditions, but hints Red Bull still ahead
• 🤔 Track compromise between quali & race pace means FB2 not representative

Q & A

What was the main problem with the Mercedes car that they seem to have solved?

The main problem was an unstable rear end, which George Russell says they have now "cured".

What evidence is there that Mercedes has made progress with setup since testing?

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were 1-2 in FP2, and the level of performance pleasantly surprised the drivers.

What ongoing issue does Mercedes still need to contend with?

Bouncing, or 'porpoising', is still something Mercedes has to be wary of.

How far behind is Williams in terms of modernizing their processes?

Very far. They were still managing car builds entirely in Excel spreadsheets with no automated digital system.

What was the main complication for Williams over the winter?

They were overhauling the technology for designing/producing the chassis, resulting in a massive increase in individual parts. This, combined with outdated processes, caused issues.

How does the Alpine car compare to expectations so far?

As predicted, it is towards the back and struggling, reacting badly to bumps and unable to find a consistent balance.

What are F1's technical bosses saying about Mercedes' controversial front wing design?

They say it presents no issues and is legal. Only a 'gigantic loophole' would prompt the FIA to change the rules.

Where is McLaren lacking compared to its rivals?

In low speed corners. The 2024 car has not addressed these limitations enough.

Who was fastest on single lap pace in FP2?

Mercedes, then Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Haas, Williams, Alpine, AlphaTauri.

Who was strongest on long run pace?

Red Bull, followed by McLaren's Piastri, the two Mercedes, Norris's McLaren, and the two Ferraris.