Sakhir (Bahrain) (AFP)

As in pre-season testing, Max Verstappen in his Red Bull dominated the first F1 free practice in 2021 on Friday and Mercedes tried to keep pace, in Bahrain where the inaugural Grand Prix will take place on Sunday.

Under the heat and the sun, then under nightfall on the Sakhir circuit, Verstappen took the best times of the two sessions.

The third in the last world championship confirms that he is, at 23, the best placed to put an end to the domination of Lewis Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion, four-time winner in Bahrain, took 4th time and then 3rd time in free practice 1 and 2. Qualifying on Saturday (6 p.m. local, 3 p.m. GMT, 4 p.m. French) will give a more detailed assessment of the balance of power. between the two favorites this season.

One thing is certain, after gearbox and especially rear axle problems during winter testing, which took place on this same circuit two weeks ago, the Mercedes seemed in better shape, even if they are still behind Red Bull.

- "Keeping up with Red Bull" -

"A lot of work has been done over the last ten days and I think we've found a way forward to make the car more reliable," said Toto Wolff, manager of the all-title winning team since 2014 , at a press conference.

"I think we have probably suffered more from the regulatory change (...) and it may be more difficult for us to recover some of the lost support," he said, explaining that "to follow Red Bull's pace would be the best scenario today. "

The cars are essentially the same as in 2020 but a new regulation relating to the flat bottom has forced the teams to plan the latter, in order to lower downforce by 10% and preserve tires abused last year.

These few centimeters less forced the teams to work on new aerodynamic solutions, to recover the lost performance.

For the moment, Red Bull seems to be doing better than Mercedes.

But the trials are only trials.

McLaren, third team last year and who changed engine by moving to Mercedes, confirmed that it was to be counted on.

British hopeful Lando Norris, who is entering his third season in Formula 1 at just 21, clocked the third fastest time and then the second (1: 30.942) in the second session, one breath away from Verstappen.

Daniel Ricciardo, who moved from Renault to McLaren, was also involved.

Among the drivers transferred this winter, Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr did the best.

Starting from McLaren, Charles Leclerc's new teammate at Ferrari took 4th time in the 2nd session.

Sergio Pérez, who moved from Racing-Point to Red Bull, has not yet taken the measure of his new steed, as has Sebastien Vettel at Aston Martin.

The only notable glitch is to be deplored on the side of Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raïkkonen.

Although the most experienced on the grid at 41, the Finn hit a wall in slow motion.

© 2021 AFP