Haas, however, has given their VF-24 a preliminary test drive with Nico Hulkenberg at Silverstone, while Kevin Magnussen had his first experience behind the wheel of his 2024 Formula 1 ride in Bahrain.
In contrast, Williams decided to break tradition by debuting the FW46 in Bahrain instead of Silverstone, a strategic move according to team boss James Vowles.
“We could have easily chosen to run at Silverstone, but there is a delicate balance between conducting a virtual track test and being at Silverstone,” Vowles explained. “I would much prefer to dedicate time to the virtual track test, film it, and skip the shakedown in Bahrain.”
“Silverstone holds mixed sentiments for me. Over the years, we have had both positive and negative experiences. Sometimes, we end up running on wet tires in challenging weather conditions, with equipment mishaps, and learn nothing. So, the balance lies in conducting a thorough virtual track test in Bahrain, while saving the filming day for later in the year when we require footage or need specific questions answered,” Vowles concluded.
From the footage, it appears that Logan Sargeant was the first Williams driver to test the new car, as the car with the number 2 on it, Sargeant’s number, was seen exiting the garage.
Magnussen, on the other hand, finally had the opportunity to complete his first 200km in the Haas VF-24 after patiently waiting since the car’s launch.
And with that, the revs go up and off he goes!
It’s time for K-Mag to take his first laps in the VF24.
According to the Source grandprix247.com