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Lunch update | Leclerc fastest in Bahrain testing as focus is on Mercedes

Lunch update | Leclerc fastest in Bahrain testing as focus is on Mercedes

10-03-2022 11:00 Last update: 11:46
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Mercedes surprised the Formula 1 paddock when Lewis Hamilton rolled out of the garage with brand new sidepods on the W13 as 2022 Formula 1 testing in Bahrain got underway. The sidepods on the Mercedes car caused a storm in the paddock, with looks completely different to the sidepods used in Barcelona last time out. Ferrari once again looked good, with Charles Leclerc topping the timesheets with a 1:34.531.

Leclerc set the fastest time with a 1:34.531 on the C3 tyres. Alex Albon, in the Williams, was around half a second down on tyres one step softer. Sebastian Vettel rounded out the top three. Red Bull's Perez led the lap counter, with most drivers recording 40 or more laps. Only Lando Norris had an alarming reduction in lap count as a brake issue kept the Brit in the garage. 

Porpoising

Porpoising is still causing headaches for the teams. Midway through the session, Hamilton opted to run a push fast lap with a low ride height, but the car violently bounced up and down the home straight into turn one. All teams seem to be struggling, whilst the Williams car was spotted with a skirt coming off the floor to try and solve the problem. 

Most teams had visible changes to their cars. But the Mercedes car contained the most visible differences. Christian Horner allegedly said that parts were illegal on the Mercedes, but Red Bull Racing denied these comments. Ross Brawn admitted it was an innovation Formula 1 didn't see coming. 

The four-hour morning session was completed without any significant drama. The red flag didn't come out, but Guanyu Zhou did stop at the top of the pitlane. The Alfa Romeo mechanics ran up to push him to the garage. Most drivers were seen locking up as they adjusted to track conditions. Temperatures raised to 32c as the afternoon went on. Teams will get the chance to run under similar conditions to the Bahrain Grand Prix later this afternoon under the floodlights. 

Haas and Ricciardo

Due to the late arrival of a cargo plane, Haas didn't run during the morning session. It's expected that they'll be out on the circuit this afternoon. Daniel Ricciardo was due to drive the McLaren car this morning but felt unwell. Therefore, Norris went out on the circuit instead. McLaren ran less than 30 laps, as a brake issue kept them in the garage. 

This afternoon Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon will stay in the car. All other teams will opt to change their drivers with Fittipaldi scheduled to drive the Haas this afternoon.