F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain - day three: A day of contrasting opinions and experiences for the drivers. While some drivers are praising the new era of regulations, others are expressing concerns and frustration. Max Verstappen, a four-time title winner, described the car as "like Formula E on steroids", while Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, countered with "a lot of fun". Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, added to the debate by calling the new rules "ridiculously complex".
The day also saw reliability issues for Cadillac, with both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez facing problems. George Russell topped the morning session for Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets for Ferrari. Liam Lawson earned a gold star for completing the most laps for Racing Bulls.
The afternoon saw a mix of drivers, with Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, Liam Lawson, and Lance Stroll driving all day. Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto were among the drivers who took to the track in the afternoon.
As the testing continues, the drivers' opinions and experiences will shape the future of Formula 1. Will the new era of regulations bring about positive changes, or will the drivers' concerns be addressed? The answers may lie in the coming days of testing and the subsequent races.
