F1 fans fuming as same problem bugs testing in Bahrain

Liam Corless
A dislodged drain cover caused havoc in testing

The first race of the new Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and to say it’s been a chaotic off-season would be an understatement.

The announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 move to Ferrari, drama surrounding Sauber’s Stake partnership, and Red Bull’s investigation into Christian Horner have all occurred in the last few weeks.

As we get closer to next Sunday’s Bahrain GP, attentions are turning back to what’s happening on the track.

Track problem wreaks havoc

Testing is currently ongoing in the Gulf state but an issue on the track has blighted the last couple of days.

On Thursday, a drain cover on the track became unstuck and caused a red flag after Hamilton drove over it, and despite the issue seemingly being fixed, the issue arose again during Friday’s testing.

Thursday’s session was ended early and the start of Friday’s session was delayed by the issue, which became apparent once more after Red Bull’s Sergio Perez had driven over the curb at turn 11, dislodging the cover again.

Testing on day three has since resumed, with the issue seemingly resolved.

Performance-wise, Red Bull delivered the fastest lap times on days one and two of testing, recorded by Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz respectively.

About The Author

Liam has 10 years' experience in journalism, having previously operated as the Manchester Evening News' associate football editor, and as an editor for the Daily Mirror, the Daily Express and the Daily Star.