Carlos Sainz Jr of Spain, driving for Ferrari SF-24, and Charles Leclerc of Monaco, also driving for Ferrari SF-24, competed in the Formula 1 World Championship, Round 1, Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2, 2024. During the race, Sainz encountered various issues with the brakes on his car but still managed to secure a third-place finish.
Sainz’s teammate, Leclerc, faced a significant brake temperature imbalance at the start of the race, which affected his performance in the early stages. However, the two Ferrari cars later swapped positions on the track, and Sainz was able to overtake George Russell and secure a podium finish alongside the two Red Bull drivers.
Sainz explained how he dealt with the brake problems on his SF-24. He strategically chose when to attack other cars and when to run in clear air to mitigate the issues. He mentioned experiencing brake vibrations and a long pedal during the first stint and the beginning of the second stint, especially when driving in traffic. To address this, he adjusted his driving technique by moving slightly on the straight to cool down the overheating side of the brakes. As a result, the vibrations improved, allowing him to make overtakes and move forward.
Sainz admitted that the start of the race was challenging due to the brake limitations. However, once everything settled, he was able to find his pace, execute overtakes, and ultimately compete for a podium position. He also mentioned that he was unsure about the severity of Leclerc’s brake issues, as he trailed 14 seconds behind him. Sainz believed that the problem could not have been discovered during testing, as it required prolonged exposure to hot air from multiple cars. He suggested that Ferrari might need to be more cautious with cooling in future races to avoid similar issues.
In summary, Sainz faced brake-related challenges during the Bahrain Grand Prix but managed to overcome them through strategic driving and adjustments. He emphasized the need for caution and further margin in dealing with brake issues in upcoming races.