Not Mercedes: Red Bull Claim Strongest F1 Challenger Naming Ferrari & McLaren as Potential Contenders
Follow Us
F1 teams concluded the first round of pre-season testing in Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week. Now, they will regroup again in two weeks’ time at Bahrain International Circuit for the final round of testing. Before coming to Barcelona, there were speculations all-around in the F1 community as to how these new-generation cars will perform. Now, the teams have gathered all the necessary data after three days of rigorous testing. 2021 driver’s champion team Red Bull also had an impressive outing in Barcelona.
Driver duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez combined to log 358 laps over three days. The primary aim of all the teams is to get mileage under their belt in these new-generation cars, and Red Bull have nothing to worry about on that front. At the end of the 3-day testing, Sergio Perez had clocked the third-fastest lap time, with Mercedes bagging the top-2 spots.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
F1 enters a new era in 2022, a major overhaul in regulation with a quest to make the sport fair and sustainable. With this, there is an opportunity for teams like Ferrari and McLaren to climb back the ladder. However, there is a risk for teams already at the top to lose their edge, as has happened before in F1.
However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is convinced that Red Bull will continue to be a front runner in 2022.
Helmut Marko believes Red Bull will fight at the front in 2022 as well
The 2021 F1 season was arguably the fiercest we have seen in a long time. Red Bull and Mercedes went neck to neck for the title, something this sport hasn’t witnessed in the last few years. Now, with new regulations sweeping over, can Red Bull carry forward their momentum in 2022 as well? Marko says yes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent interview, reported by PlanetF1, Marko’s statements indicate that the Barcelona shakedown has convinced him of Red Bull’s chances to compete at the top in 2022. “We believe that we are among the front runners,” said Marko.
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Max Verstappen Sabotaged Daniel Ricciardo’s Only Chance of Getting the Red Bull Seat for 2025
April 21, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
Charles Leclerc Joins Lewis Hamilton’s Close Friend Irina Shayk for a Vogue Shoot
April 23, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
Carlos Sainz Blames Charles Leclerc for Causing Fred Vasseur’s Painful Chinese GP Loss
April 21, 2024 12:23 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Moreover, he believes Ferrari and McLaren are also looking good to be at the top. The Maranello team logged more laps than any other team in pre-season tests, 439. Meanwhile, McLaren stands third with 367 laps over three days. “Ferrari seems to be strong and McLaren is also there,” expressed Marko.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Now, all the teams are gearing up for the second and final testing at the Bahrain circuit. The unpredictable 2022 campaign will kick off on 18th March. Tell us your bold predictions ahead of this much-exciting season.
Honda Continues F1 Legacy Through AlphaTauri Despite 2021 Exit