Bahrain GP: Is Mercedes bluffing? What Kimi Antonelli says after a modest 8th place

Mercedes’ rivals and Grand Prix experts are left scratching their heads following the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia: The fastest Mercedes (driven by Baku winner George Russell) was half a second behind the fastest driver, Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, whilst championship leader Kimi Antonelli was down in eighth place.

In the endurance runs, Russell and Antonelli were unable to match Max Verstappen’s pace, whilst Charles Leclerc was also quicker. Either Mercedes has not yet managed to translate the major Malaysia update into lap times effectively, or the championship leaders are bluffing and trying to lull their rivals into a false sense of security.

Eight-time Grand Prix winner Kimi Antonelli said: “It was a decent day. This track is fabulous – fast, with those flowing corners, absolutely brilliant!”

“We were able to work through our entire programme. Now we need to understand our update even better. Red Bull Racing are pretty impressive on a fast lap and in endurance runs, and Ferrari and McLaren are also right up there.”

“The track isn’t building up much grip yet, but that will change. I’m sure we’ll improve on Saturday.”

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