Motorsports
Surprise on day two in Bahrain, Haas faster with Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen could not have imagined a better return to Formula 1 after a year’s absence. The Dane completed his first year with the Haas VF-22 in the overtime given to the team at the end of the second day of testing in Bahrain.
Kevin Magnussen’s first year, replacing Russia’s Nikita Mazepin at Haas, could mean two things: either the traditional Formula One superpowers are hiding their true potential, or Haas has impressively reaped the rewards of its decision to write off entirely over the past year times the car from 2021 and this year designed entirely in white according to the new regulations, VF-22.
In any case, Kevin Magnussen’s first year is particularly impressive today – because, among other things, he didn’t work with the softest of all erasers, but with the least soft (C4). The Dane was three tenths faster than Carlos Sainte’s Ferrari, who also set his fastest lap with the same tires (C4).
The Dane’s fastest time was achieved in the extra time given to Haas by the FIA after the end of today’s regular testing, which left Magnussen alone on the track – because yesterday morning the team were delayed due to a transfer issue, which they weren’t his own fault. By then Magnussen, who also had a problem with the VF-22’s exhaust, was more than 1.3” faster than Mick Schumacher.
Perhaps indicative of the speed of Haas and Ferrari – who share the same powerplant, Maranello – is the fact that Max Ferstappen was 8 tenths behind Magnussen and half a second behind Saint, although the champion ended up doing a number of quick laps with the too C4 eraser.
Lance Stroll had the same tyres, making for a particularly encouraging fourth year for Aston Martin – fun for the team after Sebastian Vettel’s breakfast and the afternoon problem that left Stroll paralyzed in the pit lane.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes finished the top five drivers in the same second, slightly increasing the pace of the groundbreaking W13. They did, however, with the softer C5 eraser and only things didn’t go well for the Brit, who faced apparent setbacks all afternoon.
Just over a tenth behind Hamilton was Esteban Ocon in the pink Alpine A522, who had set the best time before the lunch break.
Meanwhile, three teams had serious problems today: Alfa Romeo stalled on the track, allowing Valteri Botas to complete just 25 laps (and 48 for Guanio Chou), while McLaren suffered a mechanical problem at the exit pits today after yesterday’s problems with the brakes.
But Williams had the biggest problem when a small disturbance in the rear of the FW44 caused a trackside fire. When firefighters arrived, the car’s rear suspension was damaged, forcing Grove’s team to end its ongoing testing very early.
The second and final three days of F1 2022 winter testing concludes tomorrow (3/12) at the Bahrain circuit, six days before the first race of the year – the same country’s free GP tests, which will take place at Shakir on 20th March.
The results of the second tests:
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.