Friday in Sakhir began under a scorching sun, with asphalt temperatures reaching 47°C, putting Formula 1 teams and drivers to the test. The first free practice session of the Bahrain GP took place in extreme heat, with very low grip levels that caused traction issues for almost all the teams on track, prompting Pirelli to step in.
It wasn’t just Formula 1 that struggled: even in Formula 2, track conditions had a significant impact. Lap times were four seconds slower than last year, a clear sign of a slippery track and particularly difficult asphalt to interpret. The high temperatures made tire management complicated, forcing drivers to make continuous adjustments.
F1 Drivers Struggle During FP1, Pirelli Intervenes
Complaints were also voiced by Formula 1 drivers, who highlighted issues with balance, poor grip, and difficulty in getting the tires into the correct operating window during FP1. The conditions somewhat normalized in the second free practice session (FP2), held in the evening, which was closer to the timing of qualifying and the race.
In response to the emerging issues, Pirelli decided to intervene to improve the drivability of the cars by lowering the minimum pressure of the rear tires by 1 PSI. This change was implemented starting from that day and is expected to improve tire contact with the asphalt, reducing sliding and increasing stability, especially during traction phases.
With such a demanding track and a weekend forecast to remain hot, every technical intervention could prove crucial for balance and tire strategies. Qualifying and the race will take place at cooler times, but tire behavior will continue to be a key factor for performance.
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