Sensation in the desert test – Alfa-Sauber Zhou beats world champion Verstappen

The second and penultimate day of Formula 1 testing in the Sakhir desert in Bahrain could not have gone better for Alfa-Sauber. The Chinese Guanyu Zhou completed more than 130 laps on the circuit and also turned the fastest lap in the Alfa Romeo on Friday ahead of the two-time world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. The new managing director Andreas Seidl also laughed – next to him Valtteri Bottas looked a little puzzled from the laundry, as the “Blick” writes.

Very few in the Formula 1 circus expected this result. Although Zhou needed the “board tire” C4 for the top result, they at least expected such an exploit. The Chinese set the fastest lap of the day with 1:31.610. Verstappen achieved his time with the Pirelli C3 (Medium). The Dutchman is still considered the top favorite for the world title.

March 5 begins the World Cup

The American Formula 1 newcomer Logan Sargeant managed the most laps with over 150 in the Williams. Fernando Alonso, who was also two-time champion and who is stepping on the gas in the Aston Martin this year, finished third. Returnee Nico Hülkenberg, who is a regular driver for the American Haas team after Mick Schumacher left, came in fifth.

The test day did not go optimally for the challenger Mercedes. The new Silver Arrow, which was painted black again this time, stopped and had to pit prematurely. A hydraulic problem on the W14 prevented further laps from George Russell, who had taken over the car from record world champion Lewis Hamilton after midday. Testing resumes this Saturday with the last of just three days of testing. The season starts a week later with the Bahrain Grand Prix.