In an unusual turn of events, Formula 1 preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit experienced a peculiar disruption on Friday afternoon when a shuttle bus made its way onto the track.
A red flag brought the testing session to a halt as the white bus slowly navigated through a runoff area, marking a bizarre scene at the renowned circuit.
The peculiarities of the day did not end there. Earlier, during the morning session, a red flag was also momentarily issued when a pane of glass dislodged from the starter’s box and shattered near the edge of the track. Responding swiftly, workers equipped with brooms promptly cleared away the debris, ensuring the safety and continuation of the session.
In terms of performance, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clocked the fastest time during this eventful morning session on the concluding day of testing. Trailing close behind was Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the promising 18-year-old rookie replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, finishing just .077 seconds off Leclerc’s pace. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen followed in order.
Lewis Hamilton, who expressed his enjoyment of driving his Ferrari earlier, took to the track in the afternoon session. Meanwhile, the third and final day of these tests preludes the start of the racing season, which will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.
Adjustments were made to Aston Martin’s testing schedule when Canadian driver Lance Stroll, feeling unwell, was switched to afternoon testing, allowing Fernando Alonso to participate in the morning session.
