I think RedBull probably are real contenders and Perez will be more than a match for Bottas.
For the last 6 years I've put my hopes in dreams in good testing campaigns by either Ferrari or Red Bull only to be hideously disappointed come Q2 of the first race...lol. I do think Red Bull looks very good out there but I just can't comfortably say that they'll be true contenders or even better than the Mercedes. Every damn time that team gets us.
Probably related to the floor changes affecting the low-rake cars more or maybe the windy conditions playing havoc with all the bloody vortices these cars generate (see stupidly complex barge boards) and rely on for their downforce. Maybe the same reason the Mercs can’t follow another car.
Looks like Mercedes has there work cut out for them regarding the rear of the car. 1) Either go with a low rake angle (as the previous Mercedes cars) or move up to a higher rake angle. 2) IF a higher rake angle, could they follow Mclaren's rear diffuser setup??
"Journalist" have been downplaying Ferrari the whole testing weekend. Comparing the pace to be similar to Alfa and other hilarious takes.
I wish I could agree with you, but Ferrari really doesn't look very good to me. Though similarly, it also looks like Aston Martin ran out of tracing paper at some point and had to do a bit themselves and messed that up, because it also doesn't look very strong. Pecking order for me: Mercedes (I don't trust them) Red Bull Mclaren Alpine Ferrari - Aston Martin - Alpha Tauri (really difficult between those 3) Alfa Williams Formula 2 Haas
I think McLaren, Alpine and Ferrari are closer than people think. The PU disadvantage is not similar anymore, that is the only trustworthy take from testing.
I hope you're right. Sainz hasn't really looked very comfortably in the car yet, quite twitchy rear end still. Mclaren on the other hand looks a breeze to drive and the fact they've had zero reliability issues from the moment the lights went green is a great start for them. A power unit manufacturer change is quite a big thing...
LOL, ran out of tracing paper! Hope it stays that way. Proved you can’t judge a car by looks alone. Even though I think Renault the team (something in the water at Enstone - they’re always good) and their engine was undervalued last year, why do you put Alpine ahead that trio? Really think Ferrari should have signed on RIC if for no other reason than to eliminate a threat. Finally, let’s remember that this is just one track and that Ferrari looked unbeatable here in 2019 but this didn’t translate to many other tracks.
Alpine just looks solid. It's by no means a #1 car but the way it behaves is quite telling to me. And lets not forget about the Alonso factor...that man is still seriously quick. Both Ferrari and AM have a big question mark in the actual drivability for me so far. Agree, Ferrari should've signed Ric but Ric made the right decision signing with Mclaren. The whole Mclaren team looks just a great environment to be in. The businessman seriousness from Ron Dennis has been completely eliminated now, it seems a very fun team now.
Have to agree on Alpine, to me Alpine looks really good and their engine was almost on par with Merc's already last season.
