F1, on its greatest days, can surprise everyone to no end, with teams slipping up or drivers making mistakes that lead to shocking results at times. However, in recent history, it has been relatively straightforward, with Mercedes having the most superior car out in front.

It has seen them win countless races and trophies, leaving others playing catch-up. Not that it is a criticism to Mercedes, but their perfection has slightly diluted the overall excitement of the sport.

One driver who has faced similar frustration on the F1 grid during his time with Haas is Romain Grosjean. The Frenchman talks about his chance to drive in IndyCar and what separates it from Formula 1.

Missed everyone having the same chance: Grosjean

He stated, “I’ve got to say, it’s the pure racing that I loved for many years as I was coming through, and that I missed for so many years recently. In Formula 1, you don’t feel like you are even competing in the same championship as the Mercedes.”

The gulf in class has increased so much that any team aside from Mercedes winning a race is enormous. Such has been their dominance that the rest of the F1 grid certainly does not stand on equal footing.

Grosjean continued, “Knowing that basically everyone has the same car, the same chance, is something I’ve missed.

“And then knowing that if you have a tough qualifying or a problem at the beginning of a race, you as a driver can make the difference because the cars are so closely matched or the team can help you make the difference with strategy… it’s mega,” concluded Grosjean.

Mercedes will still start as favorites in 2021 despite Red Bull’s resurgence

The Silver Arrows arrived at last year’s Abu Dhabi GP knowing that they had secured both titles. At the other end, Red Bull brought their A-game, having fixed a few issues, and ultimately won the race, courtesy of Max Verstappen.

Knowing Mercedes, though, they will enter the new season with a car capable of delivering better optimal performances. So, what then remains to be seen is whether Red Bull have enough horsepower to make a genuine title challenge.

Thus, winter testing in Bahrain could give us a little more clarity on the teams’ cars. But if history is evidence, then an eighth Constructors’ title for Mercedes is a highly likely possibility.

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