F1 pre-season testing halted by power failure

Formula 1 fans were waiting for Wednesday, when the new season began in earnest with the first of three days of pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit.

However, a power failure brought out a red flag during the afternoon session, bringing the grid to a halt.

While the morning session proceeded without incident the afternoon session was brought to a standstill when the power went out in the teams’ garages, as well as in other spots in the paddock. The lighting system around the circuit also went out, just minutes before sunset.

George Russell was on his way out of the Mercedes stall when the power failure arrived, telling Sky Sports F1 that he thought he needed a different visor.

“I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here,” said Russell. “I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realized there was no floodlights around. It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”

This is the second year in a row a problem halted testing in Bahrain. Last season a loose drain cover brought out the red flag for over two hours.

While the session was stopped, teams began to have a bit of fun on social media to pass the time.

Others continued working on the cars, now with flashlights in hand:

At the moment Charles tops the timing sheets, followed by Russell and then Lando Norris. As always, however, remember that times during pre-season testing are to be taken with a healthy grain of salt.