Within the 2025 Method 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari confirmed combined alerts throughout the assorted stints of the race. Whereas the SF-25 single-seater benefited from the medium tires through the center section of the Sakhir race, it confronted important difficulties with the onerous compound in the direction of the tip, particularly in managing the rear finish. Particularly, the Maranello automotive initially had a big benefit within the sooner sections.
This attribute pale within the ultimate stage of the Bahrain Grand Prix. In an effort to higher perceive the causes, we analyze a comparability of the common velocity between the primary and final stints of the race, evaluating the 2 Ferrari drivers, alongside Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. The comparability goals to spotlight the variations in gasoline ranges, that are contrasted by way of a extra full evaluation.
Within the first stint, by analyzing the telemetry knowledge, we will see that Max Verstappen, due to the slipstreams in the course of the pack, is the quickest on the finish of the principle straight. The four-time Method 1 world champion, with the assistance of the drag discount system, has an Finish of Straight Pace that’s 30 kilometers per hour sooner than Oscar Piastri. An analogous dynamic happens within the second part of the circuit, with the Dutchman managing to construct a spot of about half a second earlier than the braking zone of flip 4.
Nevertheless, as could be seen from the telemetry knowledge, the world champion loses all of the benefit gained in turns 4 and eight, the place he’s compelled to brake earlier and undertake a extra conservative strategy in traction. Charles Leclerc, then again, maximizes the deceleration section in flip 1, gaining round two tenths simply on this sector. Moreover, the Monegasque driver is much less conservative within the snake part and switch 12, the place — much like Lewis Hamilton — he carries extra velocity.
These high-G corners are very taxing on the tires, which have a tendency to boost the tread temperature. Each Ferrari drivers took benefit of the Pirelli yellow-banded tire, which, due to its building, is much less vulnerable to temperature will increase because of lateral forces. As additionally seen from the telemetry knowledge, within the lengthy flip 12, Charles Leclerc modulates the throttle much less and positive factors a couple of tenth over Oscar Piastri.
Unable to utilize many slipstreams, the Australian driver optimizes the benefit of fresh air, carrying increased velocity by way of the middle of the corners. Additionally it is fascinating to notice that he’s extra cautious through the braking section between turns 1 and 4. With the entrance axle colder after the 2 straights, the McLaren driver adopts a extra conservative strategy, exhibiting a faster brake launch section in corners 8, 11, and 13. In these sections, the tire temperatures are increased and supply extra grip throughout turn-in.
Shifting focus to the ultimate stage of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with lighter vehicles, it’s noticed that Max Verstappen’s place in the course of the pack as soon as once more favored his prime velocity. Essentially the most fascinating knowledge comes from the comparability between the 2 Ferrari vehicles and Oscar Piastri. With onerous tires, the Maranello vehicles struggled probably the most within the ultimate section of the race. The information exhibits that the principle challenge was the rear finish on exit.
The rear was unable to offer sufficient grip to stabilize the automotive. This lack of steadiness was brought on by a really imprecise entrance finish throughout turn-in, which triggered extreme sliding on exit. For that reason, probably the most crucial areas — the place Oscar Piastri gained probably the most floor — have been the exits from the slower corners.
Furthermore, because of the weaker rear finish, the benefit we beforehand mentioned within the sooner sections was now not current. Each within the snake and at flip 12, it was Oscar Piastri who reached the best speeds earlier than the braking zones, though he was in a section of managing his F1 automotive in flip 12, the place he modulated the throttle extra.
Charles Leclerc’s try to defend the rostrum doubtless accelerated the efficiency drop of the onerous tires in the direction of the tip of the race on the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain Worldwide Circuit in Sakhir. This issue was subtly talked about by the Monegasque in some post-race feedback. The battle between Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris and the one between Charles Leclerc and his defenders prevented the drivers from sustaining a robust tempo within the ultimate laps, though, in any case, the onerous tires don’t swimsuit the Italian automotive.
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