
What we learned on day two of F1 testing in Bahrain
An unexpected face topped the timesheets on day two of the Bahrain pre-season test, his time showing that the 2023 Formula 1 cars are looking faster than their predecessors. Why is this the case, and where does the grid stand with one final day of testing remaining? Here's what we learned from day two
The second day of 2023 Formula 1 pre-season testing revealed one thing conclusively at the Bahrain International Circuit: the new machines are already faster than their predecessors, the first cars of the championship’s new ground-effects era.
But it wasn’t a typical big hitter that came away with the leading time on day two of the desert action on Friday – instead the leading lap was completed by Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu. His 1m31.610s came during a flying effort with just 30 minutes of the day left to run and deposed long-time second-session-leader Max Verstappen.

Alex Kalinauckas is Autosport's Grand Prix Editor, covering every Formula 1 race since the start of 2020. After completing a master's degree in journalism at Goldsmiths College University of London in 2014, he worked for a range of motorsport and technology publications while covering national racing as an Autosport freelancer.
A lifelong motorsport fan - no one in his family can explain quite how or why such a development first occurred - Alex joined the Autosport staff in April 2017 as the magazine’s Assistant Editor covering Formula 2 and GP3, before being made Formula E correspondent and Autosport.com’s Plus Editor in March 2018. He lives in north-east London and is constantly frustrated by the Central Line.
McLaren's 2023 F1 car hampered by being too draggy
Mercedes F1 team holding late-night investigation into performance loss
More from Alex Kalinauckas

10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in opening practice
F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in opening practice F1 Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in opening practice

Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen
Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen Hamilton splits with long-time trainer Angela Cullen

Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety
Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety

Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems
Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems Sainz: Ferrari fixing "bad situation" with early 2023 F1 engine problems

How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem

How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination How Aston Martin and Alonso can save F1 2023 from Red Bull domination
Latest news

10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 10 things we learned at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

McLaren's Piastri "surprised" by Gasly contact damage in Saudi Arabian GP
McLaren's Piastri "surprised" by Gasly contact damage in Saudi Arabian GP McLaren's Piastri "surprised" by Gasly contact damage in Saudi Arabian GP

Ferrari extends Shell partnership in WEC
Ferrari extends Shell partnership in WEC Ferrari extends Shell partnership in WEC

The helmet safety system slowly making its way to the MotoGP grid
The helmet safety system slowly making its way to the MotoGP grid The helmet safety system slowly making its way to the MotoGP grid

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay

The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off

Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come

How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem

Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise

Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much

How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.