Within the Bahrain Grand Prix pre-race, Ferrari’s technique with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton was unclear, particularly relating to the selection of beginning tire. Within the main group, everybody opted for the Mushy tire for the primary stint on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir, whereas the 2 SF-25 vehicles began with Mediums. The choice was primarily based on the concept that, with a full gas load, the Italian automotive would have extra tendency to slip.
The usage of the yellow tire, which has a barely increased working temperature vary, may assist enhance the thermal administration of the rear. The choice was subsequently made contemplating the truth that Bahrain is without doubt one of the most demanding circuits for tire thermal degradation and that the principle restrict is the overheating of the rear, particularly throughout acceleration phases.
With this technique, Ferrari deliberate to make use of the Pirelli tires with the crimson band solely within the closing section of the Bahrain Grand Prix, when the automotive can be lighter and its habits extra predictable. However, those that began with the crimson tire had higher acceleration from the grid. George Russell and Lando Norris, for instance, with much less rear-sensitive vehicles, warmed their tires extra slowly however in a managed method. Within the first laps, Charles Leclerc struggled with the Medium tire. Numerous oversteer, indicating sophisticated thermal administration of the rear. The Monegasque driver additionally reported brake points, described as “inconsistent,” whereas Lewis Hamilton complained of poor grip, once more on the Medium tires. Varied directions got here from the Ferrari pit.
These referred to the temperatures, together with recommendation on nook speeds at particular factors on the observe. The Monegasque responded that he would do a “Raise and Coast.” Within the first section of the stint, it was evident that the Mushy was extra constant. From the tenth lap onward, nonetheless, even the vehicles with the crimson tire began to endure, with Oscar Piastri reporting rear overheating.
Lewis Hamilton reported that the tires have been enhancing, suggesting delaying the pit cease, as his Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami confirmed that they’d switched to “Plan B.” Tire cooling on this section is linked to the discount of tread thickness: because the tire wears, it deforms much less, producing much less warmth.
Let’s additionally check out the pit stops and methods to see who made the only option. The primary to pit have been Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. McLaren mounted the Medium tire to attempt an undercut on George Russell, contemplating the 5-second penalty. On a high-degradation circuit like Sakhir, the undercut is extraordinarily efficient. Max Verstappen, alternatively, complained of overheating on the entrance and a common lack of grip.
The RB21 single-seater proves very delicate to temperatures, and the Austrian F1 crew selected to mount the Onerous tire, which is extra manageable however offers much less grip. Lando Norris, 4 laps later, acquired the brand new Medium compound: based on the engineers of the Italian crew, it was extra aggressive than a used Mushy.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc made his first cease on lap 19, with the mechanics mounting a second set of Mediums on his automotive. The Onerous tire was discarded after Max Verstappen’s reviews, who had radioed in saying there was no grip in any respect. The identical alternative was made for the British driver of the Italian crew.
With the second set of Mediums, Charles Leclerc confirmed glorious race tempo, recovering time on the main group. Based mostly on the onboard footage, it’s evident how Charles Leclerc managed to stabilize the rear tire temperature, retaining it about +10 levels celsius over the goal. The SF-25 single-seater confirmed good steadiness and responsiveness throughout this section. At this level, the Maranello crew’s technique was “uncovered” and wanted to make one other cease to vary tire compounds.
However, they’d solely used the Mediums. McLaren was contemplating a double cease, deeming the single-stop technique too sluggish. Additionally they defined to Lando Norris that Charles Leclerc had handed him solely due to a tire that was 4 laps more energizing, and that not one of the drivers forward had any Mediums left. A compound that, ultimately, was the perfect of the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Security Automobile on lap 30 neutralized any potential undercut. All of the groups have been already within the ultimate pit cease window and thus known as their drivers in. McLaren mounted the final set of Mediums, confirming the superb strategic administration of the crew. George Russell switched to used Softs, regardless of having Onerous tires accessible.
Ferrari, alternatively, fitted Onerous tires on each vehicles, ignoring the potential for mounting the used Softs. The thought was to purpose for extra manageable thermal administration. Nevertheless, when the race restarted, the bounds turned clear: Lewis Hamilton instantly reported points with the entrance tires, talking of an absence of rotation. The understeer of the SF-25 turned evident, particularly with the white compound.
In hindsight, Ferrari may need cut up the technique and put Softs on one of many two drivers. There was no radio communication discussing tire desire with Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton, though it’s doable they communicated by way of the steering wheel to keep away from giving any references to rivals.
In comparison with 2024, the SF-25 automotive took a step again when it comes to race tempo. The Bahrain Grand Prix as soon as once more confirmed this, particularly on the very abrasive observe floor. The primary stint with the Mediums and full gas confirmed an excessive amount of degradation. Issues improved afterward, however pure efficiency remains to be missing.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged it clearly: the automotive isn’t but as full because the McLaren, making it troublesome to discover a aggressive setup on each observe. The SF-25 works nicely with the Medium tire, struggles with the Onerous, and is delicate to each exterior situation. There may be numerous work to do. The subsequent race in Saudi Arabia on the Jeddah circuit may spotlight the Ferrari’s rear-end effectivity. And there, each technical and strategic resolution will weigh closely.
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