Bahrain Grand Prix – Free Practice 1: Gasly dominates ahead of the Ferraris

Formula 1 is finally back to our greatest pleasure. After hundreds of laps completed by the drivers during winter testing, the serious stuff begins. Between new regulations and new cars, it’s the beginning of a new era in F1.

During this first free practice session of the 2022 season, the teams were mainly trying to find their rhythm and establish strategies before qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix. Under a blue sky, the drivers didn’t wait long before hitting the track, with Lando Norris setting the first lap time in 1.36.584. However, this session was marked by the first red flag of the season after eight minutes. A piece from the right pontoon of Esteban Ocon’s Alpine had detached from the car. Earlier in the session, Valterri Bottas experienced engine cutouts on his Alfa Romeo. The engineers of the French team took advantage of the break to also check Fernando Alonso’s car.

🚩 RED FLAG 🚩

Esteban Ocon loses a big chunk of sidepod 🤯

The debris litters the start-finish straight, so the session is paused as clean-up begins#BahrainGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZHWKqIIZzr

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2022

For this first meeting of the season, only one driver was missing. Sebastian Vettel, positive for COVID, was replaced by the returning Nico Hülkenberg for the entire weekend. After about ten minutes, the session could finally resume. Additionally, the wind was causing some difficulties for certain cars, particularly George Russell’s Mercedes. A piece had also come off his car after using the DRS. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen took the lead in the standings with a time of 1:34.742, ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.

While Charles Leclerc was spinning out, fortunately without consequences for the Monegasque and his car, Russell took the top spot in the rankings. However, the new Mercedes driver was quickly beaten by Pierre Gasly with a time of 1.34.193 using the soft tires.

With his time, Gasly finished in first position, ahead of the Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz, who have been confirming their performance since winter testing. Just like during winter testing, the cars were still suffering from “porpoising”. This could be seen notably on Lewis Hamilton’s car during the long straight of the circuit.

The ranking of the first free practice session.