- Red Bull’s RB20 emerges as a formidable contender with strong performance and adaptability, holding a significant advantage over rivals according to both feedback and data analysis.
- Mercedes shows steady progress with the W15, signaling improved mood and competitiveness compared to last year, although they appear to lag behind in single-lap pace.
- Ferrari demonstrates consistency and improvement, with positive feedback from Charles Leclerc and competitive long runs, positioning them closely behind Red Bull and providing optimism for further development.
Red Bull’s RB20 emerges as a formidable contender. Like many teams, Red Bull concentrated on extended runs to unravel the intricacies of their markedly different RB20. Max Verstappen hailed the car’s performance as “very strong,” while Sergio Perez echoed similar sentiments, expressing comfort and adaptability, qualities that eluded him last season. Despite attempts by Red Bull to downplay their impressive showing on the last day, the consensus in the paddock suggests they hold a significant advantage over their rivals. Data corroborates this, indicating a 0.2s per lap advantage over Mercedes and Ferrari in long runs, as well as a similar edge over Ferrari in single-lap pace.
Mercedes shows steady progress with their W15. Contrastingly positive compared to last year’s struggles, Technical Chief James Allison notes a palpable improvement in mood. Both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton express optimism about the car’s performance, with Hamilton completing an impressive 123 laps. While competitive in long-run pace against Ferrari, Mercedes appears to lag behind in single-lap pace, as evidenced by Russell’s challenging performance runs.
Ferrari demonstrates consistency and improvement across the testing period. Charles Leclerc’s positive feedback underscores the team’s satisfaction with the car’s responsiveness, signaling progress from last year. Competitive long runs reinforce Ferrari’s gains, positioning them closely behind Red Bull. While still trailing the frontrunner, Ferrari’s stable foundation provides optimism for further development throughout the season.
Aston Martin’s performance, while not as striking as the previous year, indicates progress. Boss Mike Krack acknowledges strides made over the winter, despite a quieter presence. Fernando Alonso’s efforts on the hardest compound suggest competitiveness in race pace, positioning them as contenders for best of the rest. Data analysis places them approximately four tenths of a second per lap behind Red Bull, maintaining their presence in the midfield battle.
