3
Lewis Hamilton had a few eyebrows raising as the first winter test concluded in Barcelona on Thursday. The Mercedes driver and reigning world champion's top time had some wondering if Ferrari and Red Bull would be able to keep up in 2018. "If our simulations are right, then there should be a close three-way battle between Ferrari, Red Bull and us," insisted team boss Toto Wolff.
Hamilton himself said it's "way too early to say anything", especially given the lack of mileage at freezing Barcelona. But Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel thinks Mercedes is clearly the favourite. "Mercedes is the favourite but it would be nice if we are closer than last year," he said. "And if Red Bull can catch up, then it gets really interesting," the German added.
"It's really hard to know where we are at the moment, but we will know some more at the end of next week. And then we will go to Australia and everyone will drop their pants -- and then we'll really see," Vettel smiled.
As for Red Bull, Max Verstappen had a troubled day on Thursday as he did short runs, had a spin into the gravel and also a car problem. The Dutchman insisted: "It makes no sense to look at the laptimes now. So I'm not too worried yet. We know that Mercedes and Ferrari are really strong, but I'm pretty happy with the car so far. The feeling is definitely right."
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
134,147 comments on Sauber
2 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Valtteri Bottas
611,936 comments on Mercedes 57 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Mercedes
Replies (3)
Login to replyRindtchamp
Posts: 304
Toto talking out of his rear end again.. he knows Merc are in front and no one has their speed or reliability.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Agree. Different engine modes aside they are the team to beat.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Laptimes are pointless, especially with the conditions we had last week. I agree with RINDTCHAMP and BOUDY on that Mercedes power will still rule, but the question is with how big of a margin. I personally hope it has shrunk to all of the other teams. We need a more even grid.