Sandbagging Claims
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F1 teams downplay strengths during Bahrain pre-season testing
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Formula 1 teams exhibited caution in assessing their 2026 competitiveness during the second pre-season test in Bahrain, with Mercedes posting the fastest lap despite claims of sandbagging. Drivers and officials from Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and others suggested rivals hold the edge, amid new regulations complicating performance reads. The test highlighted reliability gains for some and struggles for others like Aston Martin.