What happened on the opening day of F1 2023 pre-season testing

What happened on the opening day of pre-season testing for F1 2023 in Bahrain?

14:29
Norris back out

After an earlier issue, Norris is out on track with just over two hours on the clock.

14:26
14:18
Update on McLaren

"McLaren are conducting precautionary repairs with the aim of continuing their run plan shortly."

14:17
Eyes on Verstappen

He's flying out there...

Verstappen improves by 0.122s to extend his advantage over Sainz.

14:16
14:10
Good news LH fans

Hamilton is up to third... 

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail:
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir,…

14:05
Latest lap times

The latest lap times as the daylight starts to fade in Bahrain...

Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45 with flow-vis paint. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.-
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45 with flow-vis paint. Formula 1…

13:56
Afternoon shots

Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail:
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-23. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain,…

13:48
Hamilton on the move

The seven-time world champion is up to fifth, 0.9s off. 

13:43

Alonso's first timed lap of the afternoon puts him up to 14th.

13:42
Alonso is back out on track

Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com,
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR23. Formula 1 Testing,…

13:38
Appreciation post for Bottas' testing helmet
13:36
LH in the car

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail:
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir,…

13:34
Alonso watches on

Fernando Alonso has completed just two laps so far this afternoon in his AMR23. Here he is keeping an eye on things from the pit wall. 

(L to R): Mike Krack (LUX) Aston Martin F1 Team, Team Principal with Eric Blandin (FRA) Aston Martin F1 Team Deputy
(L to R): Mike Krack (LUX) Aston Martin F1 Team, Team Principal with Eric…

13:31
Three hours on the clock

Verstappen, Sainz, Albon, Zhou, Russell, Hulkenberg, Drugovich, Tsunoda, Gasly and Piastri.

13:28
Bottas on the move

Bottas moves up to 12th in the Alfa Romeo, 2.2s off Verstappen.

13:21
Erm, pardon?

“For once, I agree with Toto!” Horner and Wolff’s common ground on the FIA

(L to R): Toto Wolff (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 Shareholder and Executive Director and Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing
(L to R): Toto Wolff (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 Shareholder and Executive…

13:19
No sign of Alonso

Some reports that Aston Martin broke his floor during pit stop practice. 

13:17

Hamilton improves to 12th overall, 2.999s off Verstappen's top time.

13:11
Hamilton on track

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is getting his first proper taste of the Mercedes W14 this afternoon. 

Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail:
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W14. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir,…

13:04
13:04

Leclerc moves up to 11th in the Ferrari as he gets to work this afternoon.

Bottas up to 14th ahead of de Vries. 

12:54
12:53
Bottas!

Bottas takes to the track for the first time this afternoon.

Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir, Bahrain, Day One.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail:
Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo F1 Team. Formula 1 Testing, Sakhir,…

12:51

Hamilton continues to circulate, probably on high fuel. He's now 5.1s off the pace.

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