Yesterday’s running offered a completely different picture compared to testing, with a track that had low grip and high tyre degradation.
The third free practice session, scheduled to take place shortly, will be crucial to better understand the conditions of the Sakhir circuit, especially since many drivers complained about the lack of grip and significant degradation of the Pirelli tyres following Friday’s sessions. Some teams, after analyzing the data from both free practice sessions, are seriously concerned about the possibility of a three-stop race — starting with Red Bull.
Both drivers of the Anglo-Austrian team reported extremely high degradation on the RB21, and it’s not out of the question that Red Bull may be forced to adopt a three-stop strategy. Other teams are facing similar challenges, though McLaren seems to be in a completely different situation with tyre management. In fact, as conditions became more extreme, the gap between McLaren and the rest grew visibly during Friday’s sessions.
Pirelli, after hearing feedback from the drivers, decided to step in by lowering the minimum rear tyre pressure by 1 PSI. This change will be applied starting from the third free practice session and, according to Pirelli’s official statement, should provide better contact with Bahrain’s scorching asphalt, reducing sliding and improving traction stability.
Qualifying and the race will be held at night, so lower temperatures are expected compared to daytime sessions, but tyre degradation is still likely to be a decisive factor for tomorrow’s Grand Prix.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari Gallery
