FP1 full results and report: Charles Leclerc 8th, Carlos Sainz 11th | 2024 F1 Bahrain GP. Full results and report from FP1 for 2024 F1 Bahrain GP.

Daniel Ricciardo topped the time charts in the initial official F1 race weekend session of the season during FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Visa Cash App RB driver clocked a fastest time of 1:32.869, a mere 0.032 seconds ahead of his former McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri secured the third spot in the second McLaren, and only six cars managed to set their quickest laps on the Soft tire compound. The true hierarchy will become clearer in the second free practice session later today under the floodlights, offering a more representative assessment of the teams’ performance.

Verstappen’s Challenges
Several drivers grappled with balance issues in the opening 60 minutes of the season, exacerbated by gusty wind conditions affecting the cars. Max Verstappen faced various challenges during the session, citing the RB20’s “jumping” due to problematic upshifts and downshifts. Nevertheless, he achieved the second-fastest time on Medium tires. Yuki Tsunoda secured the fourth spot in the second Red Bull, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, the leading Medium-tire runner. Verstappen claimed the sixth position, followed by George Russell of Mercedes and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Former teammates Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas completed the top 10, both on Softs.

Alpine’s Woes
Carlos Sainz, in the second Ferrari, took 11th place without using Softs, similar to Sergio Perez in 12th, who lagged two-tenths behind his Dutch teammate. Alex Albon, driving for Williams, came next, preceding Lance Stroll, who expressed dissatisfaction with the “horrendous” handling of his Aston Martin AMR24. Despite a lengthy stint in the Stake F1 garage, Zhou Guanyu secured the 15th position, leading Logan Sargeant.

Both Alpine drivers faced difficulties in what is anticipated to be a challenging weekend for the French manufacturer, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly outpacing only Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.