Why weather had such a big impact on F1 testing in Bahrain and why data analysis will be complex. The Two Reasons Why the Weather in Bahrain Was Problematic.

Testing plays a crucial role for Pirelli as well. It is the first opportunity of the year to understand how the tires adapt to the new cars. However, as Mario Isola explained, the weather caused significant issues during the sessions in Bahrain, making it difficult for everyone to get a clear picture from these tests.

The conditions in Bahrain were far from ideal. Normally, we see drivers racing in much warmer conditions than the current temperatures. The first two days of testing were dominated by cold weather and strong winds, while on the third and final day, the drivers had a slight reprieve.

“The weather we encountered was not what we expected, and this affected the session results. On Wednesday, there was a lot of wind in addition to low temperatures. The first day is usually dedicated to car setup or analyzing various aerodynamic packages.”

The Two Reasons Why the Weather in Bahrain Was Problematic

Mario Isola identified two key reasons why different temperatures would have made the tests easier to interpret and more useful in preparation for the upcoming season. It’s important to note that during these three days, the public rarely gains significant information, and predictions based on testing remain limited.

“We saw almost everyone working with the C3 compound because it has changed relatively little, which allows for better comparison.” This is where Mario Isola pointed out the first issue. Comparisons are typically made using data collected in similar conditions. However, in this case, temperatures differed by 20 to 25 degrees from the usual conditions in Bahrain. This makes direct comparisons difficult and complicates understanding each team’s position relative to previous years.

Besides the temperatures, rain also played a crucial role in these tests, making them even less indicative. Mario Isola explained: “On the second day, some teams attempted long runs, but track conditions kept changing due to the rain. Now we must be careful in evaluating the time of day when these simulations were conducted to avoid misjudgments. Friday will be the day when we gather the most valuable data.”

source: f1ingenerale