Based on the first day's results, we might think so, but it would be a big mistake to draw more serious conclusions from Wednesday's results.
In a less-than-ideal practice session, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was the first to take to the track, also finishing the morning in first place. Unusually cool weather prevailed in Bahrain, with a strong wind, a 15-degree ambient temperature, and a 25-degree track temperature, which greeted the test crews. These temperatures did not improve throughout the day. On the low-grip track, several drivers spun, the most spectacular being Liam Lawson, who lost control and spun behind the wheel of his Red Bull. Despite this, the RB rookie still managed to secure second place, beating Alexander Albon until lunch.
In the afternoon, changes and new challenges arose. Max Verstappen and George Russell entered the car on the second stage, beginning to challenge Antonelli's time, with the latter surpassing it. This didn't last long, however, as another driver, Charles Leclerc, arrived and took the lead. But before the other drivers could begin attacking him, an unusual interruption occurred with a red flag. A power outage affected the track, blocking work for almost an hour. During this time, some precipitation also arrived in Bahrain, and the track cooled down even further. However, all this didn't stop Lando Norris, who put in a fast lap, from finishing the day in first place, ahead of Russell and Verstappen.
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