Mercedes Will Be Faster At Bahrain GP: This is Why
Mercedes fans have been left concerned after the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain last week. Red Bull dominated the test days giving confidence in the RB19, as well as Ferrari being up there with Mercedes just a bit behind. However, one fan has explained why the Brackley-based team will be faster at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Although lap times are not completely representative of the teams expected performance during testing as the teams will be running different set-ups to gather data, fans are still unsure of what to expect from Mercedes in the 2023 season.
Now, F1 analysts who have looked over the data from testing have posted to Twitter:
"Ferrari and Mercedes will improve in #BahrainGP; here is why.
"It's a medium downforce track:
"RB used a medium-df wing in the tests that suited the track.
"Ferrari ran a lower df wing. Low grip and bad tyre wear!
"Mercedes used a high-load wing. Terrible top speed!"
"Ferrari and Mercedes were doing testing programs different to Red Bull.
"Ferrari was probably trying to make the car work with lower-df rear wings (their limit last year) and could not use their medium-df wing (due to DRS failure)
"Merc was probably assessing...the porpoising?" [sic]
They continued:
"Once Ferrari and Mercedes will bolt-on rear wings more appropriate to the track, they will surely improve relative to RB.
"Ferrari should gain significant race pace due to lower tyre wear.
"Mercedes should gain single-lap performance and the ability to attack and defend
"Can't wait!"
All will be revealed at the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend where Mercedes fans will be hoping to see the Brackley-based squad back being competitive at the top of the grid. Another team who showed a lot of improvement over testing was Aston Martin who were up in the thick of it with the top three teams.
The opening race is set to be an exciting start to the 2023 season.