Follow usPre-season testing for the 2023 Formula 1 season has officially begun, with the opening session getting underway at the Bahrain International Circuit, where all 10 teams took to the track with their brand-new machinery.
Carlos Sainz set the fastest time of the session so far – 1:33.253, followed by Max Verstapen and Williams’ Alex Albon.
Proceedings got off to a slow start when the Aston Martin of Felipe Drugovich – standing in for Lance Stroll after the Canadian suffered a cycling accident during pre-season training – stopped out on the track.
The red flag was shown to allow for the AMR23 to be removed from the circuit, eating into valuable running time for the teams and drivers in action.
Mercedes’ George Russell was the first driver to emerge from the pits in the morning heat before Sainz followed in his Ferrari and Verstappen, who showcased the RB19 for the first time.
Fastest time of the session so far?
A 1:33.253, from Carlos Sainz ⏱️#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/dolPIKnwdK
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 23, 2023
Most teams will swap drivers for the remainder of the day, but Verstappen will remain behind the wheel of the Red Bull.
He will share testing duties with Sergio Perez on Friday before Perez takes over all day on Saturday.
Pre-season testing is the first chance to have a proper look at the 2023 breed of cars, which have been designed with new floor regulations in mind, with Red Bull to begin their title defense at the Bahrain International Circuit on March 5.
Mercedes 1-2 in Vegas, Verstappen clinches fourth world title 
Verstappen climbs from 17th to win Brazil GP under the rain 
Verstappen knows what the limits are, says Norris 
