Two Spanish stars are set to headline a fresh chapter on the grid as Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, and Carlos Sainz, behind the wheel of Ferrari, take positions in a campaign that promises energy and competition. The 41-year-old Asturian veteran enters his 20th season ready to prove that experience still translates into speed, while the Madrid native gears up for his ninth year in the sport. The early signs point to a season where both veterans still have plenty to offer and where Aston Martin’s revival feels real, with Sainz aiming to help Ferrari reclaim its place at the sharp end. — Attribution: FIA
Following a shaky Alpine plan last year, the two-time world champion has found momentum. Preseason tests in Bahrain carried a sense of purpose, with the team pushing hard to translate work on the wind tunnel into real track performance. Aston Martin appears energized by a Spaniard at the helm, and Sainz remains central to Ferrari’s bid for the title in a year that could redefine the pecking order.
From the outset, Red Bull has shown strength, and Alonso has kept pace with Max Verstappen through the Bahrain testing program. The early sessions highlighted a close, competitive dynamic among the leading teams, with Alonso clocking solid lap times and building confidence in the AMR23. On the second day, he secured a competitive third place with a time just a fraction behind the session leader, underscoring the pace and potential of his new machine. — Attribution: FIA
The mood around both Aston Martin and Alonso has been buoyant, even if the car is still relatively new to the sport’s top tier. The preseason has sparked conversation among pundits and fans alike about who might challenge the usual powerhouses—Ferrari and Mercedes—though many concede the AMR23 looks capable of a strong showing. The car’s design hints at a stable, mid-range performer with a level of agility that could make it difficult for rivals to predict, and some analysts think it could shape the mid-season order in surprising ways. In this context, Ferrari and Mercedes are facing a challenge from a car that appears to be more straightforward to drive and tune, potentially shifting the balance in the mid-pack and beyond. — Attribution: FIA
Midway through the Bahrain test, the AMR23 has attracted attention for its aerodynamic package, sidepod design, and overall balance. The car seems to offer a blend of stability and speed that could translate into consistent lap times and reduced setup risk across varied conditions. If the AMR23 continues to deliver, Aston Martin could position itself as a credible fourth-team candidate—poised to contend with a star-studded field including Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton, and Russell. Alpine and McLaren are also part of the evolving narrative, with each squad pursuing incremental gains that could shake up the podium lineup. — Attribution: FIA
On the track, the car’s sidepod architecture has drawn attention for providing stability and a generous window of attack for the drivers. The hope is that it will be easier to tame than some rivals, reducing end-of-right-now compromises and helping teams push the limits. The broader trend is a grid that seems closer to parity than ever, with each manufacturer continuing to unlock new performance through aerodynamics, power, and chassis integration. The early indications are that the season could feature more frequent surprises, and fans are eager to see how this translates into race-day strategy and head-to-head battles. — Attribution: FIA
F1 Bahrain GP schedules
Friday
12.30 Free 1
16.00 Free 2
Saturday
12.30 Free 3
16.00 Elimination
Sunday
16.00 Race
— End of schedule notes. This section remains a straightforward guide to the weekend’s timetable, providing fans with clear windows to catch practice and the main event. — Attribution: FIA