The FIA has initiated an investigation following an incident during the final day of F1 testing in Bahrain, where a bus entered the live track, causing the session to be halted shortly after it began. The bus drove through the run-off area near a high-speed corner, leading to speculation about whether the driver made an error or was given incorrect access to the circuit. Sky Sports F1 commentator Alex Jacques highlighted the seriousness of the incident, noting the potential danger given the location of the bus.
Thankfully, no vehicles were on that section of the track at the time. The bus usually serves to transport photographers and marshals but is expected to remain on designated access roads behind barriers for safety. This marked the second interruption of the day related to off-track issues, with the third such stoppage occurring throughout the three-day testing period.
Earlier incidents during the testing included a pane of glass from the starter’s gantry shattering on track, attributed to debris kicked up by one of the cars, and a power outage that plunged the complex into darkness. Fortunately, the test was conducted during daylight, allowing drivers to return safely to the pits. Questions arose regarding the reliability of the power source, especially since the upcoming grand prix will also take place at night.
On a more positive note, George Russell from Mercedes clocked the fastest time on the final day, outpacing Max Verstappen by a mere 0.021 seconds. Other notable performances included Alex Albon coming in third, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly from Alpine. New Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, trailing his former teammate, emphasising the challenges of interpreting testing results due to various factors such as fuel loads and tyre strategies.
Hamilton acknowledged the difficulty in accurately gauging performance from early testing, stating this was the most positive feel he has had in years, even as he remained cautious about making definitive conclusions. The fastest overall time for the test, however, was set by Carlos Sainz on the second day. With the attention now shifting to the upcoming season opener in Melbourne from March 14-16, teams and fans alike are eager to see how these developments unfold on race day.