The Mercedes-AMG System One workforce may very well be struggling the identical destiny as final yr, relegated to enjoying catch-up. Solely this time, there’s yet one more workforce forward!
Pre Season Testing
Each workforce had a possibility to work out the problems and hone of their latest vehicles in a real-world setting through the pre-season testing in Bahrain a few weeks again. And though we are able to by no means learn too far into F1 performances and lap occasions throughout this era, it was obvious that Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell did not have the automotive they needed.
First Race Weekend
And people considerations had been subtly echoed by workforce principal Toto Wolff. Because the groups bought a little bit extra severe testing out their qualifying and race efficiency through the follow periods, it turned clearer that the Silver Arrows had been a methods off from the quickest lap occasions.
Shock Shock
Not solely did we not see the Mercedes prime the timing sheets, however we had been additionally shocked by the surging Aston Martin of the legendary Fernando Alonso, which surpassed the Pink Bulls a few occasions throughout free follow. Nonetheless, we needed to await qualifying and the race to see precisely the place issues stood when it comes to general efficiency.
Quali
On Saturday, when it got here time to set the quickest single lap occasions, the Brackley-based workforce’s nightmare started to show a actuality. Russell and Hamilton lined up in sixth and seventh, behind the 2 Pink Bulls, the 2 Ferraris, and now additionally Alonso’s Aston Martin! However there are nonetheless loads of unanswered questions relating to precise race tempo, particularly on a monitor like Sakhir, the place the rear-end is beneath fixed stress.
Race
The race regarded promising at occasions, however the Aston Martins did not appear to fade because the race went on. Actually, having handed Hamilton in an superior battle, Alonso ultimately overtook the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz as properly, ending the race on the rostrum simply behind the 2 Pink Bulls.
Wanting Forward
There appears to be loads of disappointment surrounding the Mercedes storage following a season opener that the workforce was taking a look at with hopes of getting again to the highest. Workforce boss Toto Wolff seems to be difficult his workers to step up and work more durable than they ever must attempt to salvage a good consequence from this season. It is an especially tough place for the workforce to be in. However from a fan’s perspective, the addition of Aston Martin to the combo will imply an thrilling season forward… Other than the truth that we just about already know who’s going to win each championships…
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