F1 Bahrain test: best time for Hamilton ahead of Giovinazzi

Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time at the end of the first day of F1 testing in Bahrain. The Englishman from Mercedes, after a stop in the morning, managed to lead Antonio Giovinazzi's Ferrari by more than six tenths.

Hamilton caused a red flag with a 15-minute stoppage early in the morning session due to an electrical problem on his car. The W08 was then returned to the pits and Hamilton continued his programme, focusing on a mix of long runs and shorter runs throughout the day with the aim of deepening his understanding of the 2017 Pirelli tyres. Hamilton lapped in 1.31.358 with soft tires in the last hour of testing, widening Giovinazzi's gap with the last run.

While Sebastian Vettel concentrated on testing the 2018 Pirelli tires, therefore without the opportunity to work on the development of the car, Giovinazzi continued the work of refining the SF70H. Vettel was however slowed down by an engine problem which prevented him from lapping in the afternoon. Pirelli therefore asked and obtained permission from the other teams to be able to run with the German until 21.00pm local time to make up for lost time.

Third time for Daniel Ricciardo, competitive in the morning but stopped in the afternoon due to a problem with the Renault power unit. The unit will be replaced this evening to allow Max Verstappen to ride tomorrow. Renault engine problems also for rookie Sean Gelael's Toro Rosso in the morning. The Indonesian returned to the track causing another red flag in the afternoon and finishing with the eighth fastest time. Romain Grosjean is fourth for Haas and has spent the day evaluating the new Carbone Industrie brakes with Haas considering whether to ditch the Brembo brakes. Behind the Frenchman we find Felipe Massa with Williams and Nico Hulkenberg with Renault.

More problems for Honda and McLaren: Oliver Turvey completed just two installation laps in the morning due to a water leak at the ERS which required the replacement of the power unit. Turvey then completed 17 laps, finishing 3 seconds behind.