F1 | The second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit has concluded, with Mercedes continuing to cover significant mileage while experiencing very few issues. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have shed light on the work carried out by the German team during this session.
Mercedes continues to impress during the Bahrain F1 tests, although both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell admit that there is still substantial work to be done on the car. The two drivers were among the key protagonists of the second day of testing: Andrea Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest lap of the day with a 1:32.803, while George Russell – who ran in slightly less favorable conditions during the morning session – still posted a solid 1:34.111.
Both Mercedes drivers confirmed the strong potential of the German car, completing a combined total of 156 laps. However, despite the fastest times, the analysis of race pace does not yet fully favor the Silver Arrows. In particular, Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s pace appeared good but somewhat inconsistent, and at this stage it has not reached the level demonstrated by Red Bull and Ferrari.
George Russell focuses on understanding the Mercedes W17
George Russell explained that after a productive opening day, the morning session in Bahrain was focused on gathering data and understanding the car rather than chasing outright lap times. “After a solid opening day yesterday, this morning in Bahrain we carried out very productive work. Once again, our program was not focused on pure performance, but on understanding the updates and gaining a deeper knowledge of the W17. We managed to do this while completing the highest number of laps in the morning session,” Russell said.
The British driver also looked ahead to the final day of testing before the season begins. “We now have one last day on track before flying to Melbourne. We have recovered the time lost during the first test, but tomorrow will be another very intense day. I am looking forward to returning to the car in the afternoon with the goal of helping the team leave Bahrain in the best possible position. Even today we saw some very interesting fast laps and long runs from our rivals, so accumulating mileage on Friday will be crucial.”
Andrea Kimi Antonelli explains the setup work
Andrea Kimi Antonelli explained the focus on setup and race preparation. “We are continuing to recover the ground lost during the first test here in Bahrain. That was our goal for this pre-season session, and we hope to make the most of tomorrow as well. With only one day left in the car before Melbourne, every lap is extremely valuable.”
“Today’s program included extensive setup work along with a few simulations of qualifying-style laps. We were able to complete everything we planned and finish the day in first position. That is a positive signal, but the gaps between the top teams are already incredibly small, measured in hundredths of a second. We will continue to push, aiming to conclude these tests as effectively as possible and arrive at the first race in Australia fully prepared to fight for the top positions.”
Mercedes has therefore utilized the second day of testing in Bahrain to focus entirely on setup optimization and mileage, with both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli emphasizing that their chart-topping times are secondary to the team’s need for a deep understanding of the W17’s performance envelope before the Australian Grand Prix.
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