Mercedes were left scratching their heads after multiple issues and an ill handling W12 left them languishing down the order on the opening day of testing. Mercedes had their worst start to testing in recent memory on Friday, the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain. Having elected not to hold a filming day with their new W12 ahead of testing, the team headed out at the green light to put in an installation lap. However, following this solitary lap, Valtteri Bottas was withdrawn back into the pits and, shortly after, the screens went up to hide the Mercedes from view. The team explained this was due to a hydraulic issue that resulted in Bottas missing three hours of track time...
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