Feb 13 • 16:26 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Telegraph

Antonelli sets pace as Hamilton stops on track in F1 testing

Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes topped the final day of Bahrain F1 testing, with Lewis Hamilton facing car issues that limited his performance.

During the concluding day of the Bahrain Formula 1 testing, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes recorded the fastest lap, showcasing the team's competitive edge as they prepare for the season. Team-mate George Russell finished close behind in second place, indicating a strong performance from the Mercedes duo. Lewis Hamilton, racing for Ferrari this time, encountered technical difficulties that ultimately saw him finishing in third place, highlighting the challenges faced by teams during pre-season testing.

In a noteworthy performance, Oscar Piastri secured fourth place for McLaren, demonstrating promise as the team gears up for the new season. Max Verstappen, who participated only in the morning session, managed to finish fifth, reflecting his limited track time. Meanwhile, Aston Martin struggled significantly; Lance Stroll managed to complete only 69 laps, landing him in 15th place and almost 4.5 seconds behind the fastest time, signaling potential concerns for the team moving forward.

The results from this test day provide essential insights into the performance levels of various teams as they head into the racing season. Mercedes appears to emerge as a dominant force, while Ferrari and Aston Martin's contrasting situations highlight varying degrees of preparation ahead of the first race. The testing results will serve as a critical reference point for teams as they make final adjustments to their cars and strategies for the upcoming competitions.

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