F1 Pre-season testing at Bahrain has finally concluded and the teams look ahead to the first race of the 2024 season. Max Verstappen led the first session with an impressive lead of over 1.14s over the runner-up. Additionally, Sergio Perez finished the second session in the runner-up spot while driving the slower compound behind Carlos Sainz.
The third session recently concluded and Verstappen managed to finish P4 with Perez in P10. Hence, Red Bull has put forth great results during the testing session and would likely perform well down the season. As a result, Fernando Alonso has raised uncertainty about the winning chances of other drivers down the season.
Alonso mentioned that the remaining drivers on the grid will be aware of the lack of chances at championship contention following such a rampant performance from the reigning world champion. Additionally, The Spaniard asserted that there were fewer chances for other drivers to win races due to the dominant pace set by Max Verstappen with the radically designed RB-20.
I think 19 drivers in the paddock now will think that [they] will not win the championship. I would say, I think after seeing Max and the Red Bull car this year, there are less chances for everybody to win a race this year. Alonso told Autosport
Max Verstappen full of praise for Red Bull RB-20
The RB20 challenger designed by the aero-genius Adrian Newey would likely follow in the footsteps of the highly dominant RB19 in the previous season. Hence, as the car performed well during the initial testing session, Max Verstappen was vocal about his satisfaction with his new machinery.
The Dutchman pointed out that the looks of the challenger didn’t matter as long as it produced results down the season. However, the 26-year-old highlighted that he liked the fact that the team decided to not be ‘conservative’ about the chassis and push the limits of development for the car. Hence, Verstappen is satisfied with the challenger and would likely perform on his A-game down the season.
In the end, it doesn't matter what the car looks like either. But what I do like a lot about the team is that they haven't been conservative and that they have pushed the limits again by changing the concept. I fully trust what the people in our technical team are doing. Max Verstappen said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Other drivers like Charles Leclerc have also accepted the fact that Verstappen’s domination would continue through the 2024 season. Hence, time will tell about the developments down the season. Milton Keynes has been looking promising with great results so far and the team is hopeful of another smooth sailing championship.
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