We are currently in the midst of preseason testing, but what exactly does this do for the teams?
The testing most often talked about in F1 is preseason testing, where teams begin to run their cars on track for the first time. Preseason testing allows the teams to see how their new designs are performing and to scout out any flaws in the car’s design. Testing time is limited, so making the most of the time given is crucial. The limited testing time is why the conversation around Williams missing Barcelona Shakedown week was so prominent.
Shakedown Week
Barcelona Shakedown week was January 26-30 this year, where teams could run private tests for 3 out of the 5 days. Shakedown week focuses on confirming systems and reliability of the cars before public testing in Bahrain. This is especially helpful this year with the new regulation being put in place so that teams can confirm that everything is functioning properly before moving to a performance based test.
On top of this teams often choose to do a private filming day, usually prior to testing beginning. They do this to make sure the cars are running smoothly, but also to get media or sponsorship content for marketing and sponsorship obligations.
Preseason testing
After Shakedown week comes official testing in Bahrain, occurring this year February 11-13 and February 18-20. Bahrain testing is public testing and is broadcast for fans all over the world to watch. While we know the times of the drivers from Shakedown, this will be the first time fans will get a real view of cars on track.
In Bahrain, teams will run one car at a time, evenly splitting duties between the drivers, to gather information on aerodynamics, engine, and tires. Here they are able to validate data gathered from the simulator and test upgrades for the car before the season begins.
Preseason testing is not about being the fastest on track. In fact teams tend to hide their true pace in order to keep people from fully predicting what is going to happen.
The thing about preseason testing is that there is still plenty of time for teams to make changes. Lewis Hamilton may have had the fastest time in Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean that will remain for the rest of testing. There is often a warning from longtime fans of the sport to not believe what you see in testing because by the time the first race of the season comes, everything will be different.