Max Verstappen overhauled Ferrari to ensure an improving Red Bull finished pre-season testing on top in Bahrain, with Mercedes trailing their rivals ahead of a much-anticipated opening race of F1 2022.
Red Bull, having been relatively quiet through the first five days of winter running, debuted new upgrades – including sculpted sidepods – for their RB18 on the very final day and promptly sent warnings to the whole grid with their new-found pace.
Sergio Perez topped the morning before Verstappen surged to the front in the faster evening session, beating Charles Leclerc in the previously fancied Ferrari by 0.7seconds amid a flurry of impressive and consistent laps.
Mick Schumacher vaulted up to second late in the day, half a second off Verstappen, as Haas once again took advantage of their extra testing time and favourable testing conditions to post a notable time.
Verstappen’s final time was a 1:31.720, giving him a boost before his maiden title defence starts with the Bahrain GP,on March 18-20.
