Sainz Tops Preseason Testing Amid Weather Challenges

Carlos Sainz emerged as the fastest driver on day two of preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, recording a time of 1:29.348 and completing 127 laps. He narrowly outperformed teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who were within just 0.1 seconds of his lap time. Despite this impressive showing, Williams cautioned against premature conclusions about competitive standings, as factors like fuel load and tire usage can significantly impact results. Light rain during the session affected track conditions, leading to spins and minor incidents among drivers.

While Sainz's performance highlighted the capabilities of the Williams car, McLaren's Lando Norris faced a challenging day, finishing in 14th place. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson from Red Bull managed to complete 91 laps despite morning issues with water pressure. As the teams prepare for the season opener in Australia, the testing session underscored the varying levels of preparation and competitiveness across the grid, with rookie drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman also making their mark. Overall, Sainz's performance set a strong benchmark, showcasing both his skill and his team's potential ahead of the new season.