F1 LIVE | Testing Day 1: Verstappen goes fastest, Ocon and Norris 2nd and 3rd

It is March 12 and the 2021 Formula 1 pre-season can officially start. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we start a bit later than usual this year, but fortunately, the first Grand Prix will most likely take place in two weeks time. However, we start today with the winter test. Be sure to keep checking this page to keep updated with the news from Bahrain.

During this winter test, it is of course fun to watch drivers who were not there last season. How do Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin compare to each other, can Yuki Tsunoda deliver on his promise and has Fernando Alonso lost some of his speed. Questions to which we will not get a definitive answer, but at least an indication.

Apart from the new (and old) faces, many drivers have changed teams after a chaotic silly season in 2020. For the fans, this is the first time we can see Carlos Sainz in red for Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel in green for Aston Martin and Daniel Ricciardo in orange for McLaren.

Finally, this is also the first showdown between the 'new' cars. The FIA has limited the possibilities for adjustments compared to last season, but the new guidelines with regard to the floor bring greater changes than previously thought. The big question is who will benefit most: Mercedes or Red Bull Racing?