According to the results of pre-season testing in Bahrain, it is difficult to assess the balance of power, but certain trends can already be detected. The current champions of Red Bull Racing are clear favorites for the coming season, McLaren has serious problems with the car and Aston Martin could well be the main discovery of the championship.
The Silverstone team is carefully evaluating their prospects, which cannot be said of their rivals. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport quotes an unnamed engineer from one of the teams: “Aston Martin has taken the biggest step forward. According to our calculations, they are at least fourth and could even pose a threat to Mercedes and Ferrari.”
Nico Hulkenberg, reviewing the onboard CCTV footage of Fernando Alonso’s car, said: “Fernando’s lap looks incredibly fast and clean. Others have to drive a lot more.”
George Russell agrees with the Haas driver: “Aston Martin gives the impression of a well-balanced car.”
Experts note that the Aston Martin car is not subject to build-up on straight lines – among the other teams, only the Red Bull Racing car is so good in this aspect.
Fernando Alonso’s performance in Aston Martin also benefited the team. Engineers welcome his feedback and assure the Spaniard needs far fewer words to describe the problem than his predecessor, Sebastian Vettel.
Alonso’s high motivation is transferred to the team, among other things. Aston Martin manager Andy Stevenson describes the driver’s attitude: “Fernando is ready to go, but the car is not. Ten minutes before leaving the track, he is already waiting with his helmet to get behind the wheel.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
