Jolyon Palmer in awe of five-podium F1 driver who unleashed ‘hell’ with final lap times in Bahrain test

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The final day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain offered few clues as to the competitive order ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. George Russell was quickest for Mercedes, a fraction ahead of Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen.

Russell set a 1:29.545, four tenths slower than Verstappen’s pole time a year ago. Of course, differences in track conditions, engine modes and commitment levels must be accounted for.

Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly were the standout midfield drivers in third and fifth place respectively. Oscar Piastri, sandwiched between them in fourth, was underwhelming in Bahrain, not that it necessarily matters.

Ferrari newcomer Lewis Hamilton ended testing in sixth place ahead of Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon. His teammate Charles Leclerc was ninth, with Kimi Antonelli the best of the rookies – as one would expect of a Mercedes driver – in P10.

With Leclerc and Norris (11th) languishing in the mid-pack, it’s clear that that some of F1’s biggest hitters haven’t shown their hand. Thus there will be a degree of caution in the pecking order projections in the next two weeks.

Jolyon Palmer loves seeing the ‘shackles’ come off for Pierre Gasly and Alpine at F1 testing

Before leaving the commentary box on the final day of testing, Alex Jacques asked Jolyon Palmer for his highlight of the three days. He pointed to Gasly at Alpine.

The Frenchman was one of the form drivers on the grid at the end of last season, surging into the top 10 in the championship at the expense of Nico Hulkenberg. After Alpine’s unforgettable double podium in Brazil, he finished fifth in Qatar and seventh in the Abu Dhabi finale.

He also qualified a season-high third for the Las Vegas GP, only to retire with mechanical issues. Perhaps this was an indication that Alpine can occasionally disrupt the top teams in 2025.

Aston Martin were the biggest disappointment of testing, Ivan Capelli says. They finished one place above Alpine last season but could slip down the pecking order.

“Gasly unleashing hell in the Alpine this afternoon!” Palmer said. “Nice to see the shackles coming off.”

Pierre Gasly weighs in on uncertainty over Alpine teammate Jack Doohan

Gasly should be the team leader at Alpine this season. Ocon alleged that his car was inferior last year due to an unseen fault, but the two drivers are closely matched in experience levels.

By contrast, new teammate Jack Doohan has only started one race, having replaced Ocon early at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The bulk of the points-scoring burden may fall on Gasly.

There’s a possibility that Alpine could change their line-up at the Miami Grand Prix. Doohan has only signed a six-race contract, and newly-signed reserve Franco Colapinto is available.

Gasly has stuck up for Doohan in the media amid the speculation. He’s praised the Australian’s efforts in the simulator in his previous capacity as third driver.