In the 2024 pre-season testing, Lewis Hamilton picked up the pace to surpass Max Verstappen, but his attempt was thwarted by Red Bull’s secret weapon. Although Ferrari topped the time sheets on the final day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, Red Bull’s impeccable performance stole the limelight, securing their position as the team to beat in 2024.

The 7-time world champion’s final season with Mercedes could have gotten a better start, as he frequently suffered extreme oversteer and washed wide at several turns during his laps in W15. But, he finally reached the third position on the 2nd day using a C3 medium tire compound. Adrian Newey’s new design of the RB20 gave an exceptional performance, and he seems to have handed Verstappen the weapon for another season’s domination. Besides, rumors swirl that Adrian Newey may join Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, adding intrigue to the entire dynamic.

Red Bull’s new car spells doom for Lewis Hamilton’s 7th title with Mercedes

In the 2023 championship, Red Bull’s RB19 gave a remarkable performance, creating a benchmark for its competitors to emulate. The design of the RB19 was exceptional, featuring a different chassis with a vee-shaped profile, distinguished from the traditional flat and square-edged design. It remains a unique model in F1 history. Subsequently, Max Verstappen made a remarkable record in the Qatar 2023 World Championship by winning his third driver’s championship and elevating his name in F1.

However, the signs look ominous for Lewis Hamilton and the rest of the grid as Max Verstappen has reportedly placed the RB20 higher than its illustrious predecessor. As per F1-Insider, Verstappen has given internal feedback stating that the current version reacts better to his driving style compared to the RB19.

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“I do like what the team has done,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports News. “It’s not a conservative car. It’s not like, ‘last year was a great car, we’ll just add a few bits and try to make it a little bit faster’.”

Red Bull revamped the RB19 with few changes, prioritizing long runs to grasp insights for their RB20, which substantially differed from its predecessor. The outcome proved fruitful, with Max Verstappen stating that the “performance of the car was very strong.” Max Verstappen kicked off F1 preseason testing 2024 held in Bahrain by topping the leaderboard on day 1. Building on his terrific 2023 performance, the Red Bull driver made a formidable start, raising a high standard for the upcoming season. However, Max Verstappen’s performance and Red Bull’s design potentially threaten Lewis Hamilton in the forthcoming championship.

Pre-season 2024 showdown: Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen was in the top position on the first day of F1 pre-season testing 2024 in Bahrain, and his outstanding pace was on full display. The upgraded version of Red Bull RB20 makes a commendable milestone, moving dramatically from the dominant RB19 of 2023. The debut of RB20 at the Bahrain noticed considerable attention and excitement from the fans.

In the morning session, the three-time world champion made a remarkable lap of 1 minute, 31.662 seconds on Pirelli’s C3 tires—the softest compound for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which all drivers used to make their fastest lap. The Dutchman reclaimed the lead from McLaren’s Lando Norris halfway through.

Lewis Hamilton completed the second top position on laps during the test, totaling 123 circuits at the Bahrain International Circuit. He observed that, compared to the W14, the car felt more consistent and drivable. Although it was drivable, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton claimed that Mercedes’ heavily modified 2024 model is “not the diva it was in the last two years” and that it is “nicer to drive” compared to its ill-handling predecessor.

Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson, meanwhile, believes the W15 “looks like a race car” judging by the way Russell and Hamilton, who have driven a full day apiece in the car at testing so far, were able to attack the Bahrain circuit. “It’s such a difference to the car we were watching last time at this track,” declared Davidson.

Hours After Adrian Newey’s Ferrari Move Rumors, Lewis Hamilton Exposed His Fatal Mistake Putting Red Bull’s Championship at Risk

Despite his strong performance, the 7-time champion remains eager to beat Red Bull’s driver and take his spot at the top. Will Lewis Hamilton surpass 3-time champion in the upcoming season? Can Ferrari attract Adrian Newey with a compelling offer? Share your thoughts in the comments section.