F1 | WE’RE OFF, FINALLY! EVERYONE IS CHASING NORRIS AND PIASTRI’S MCLAREN BUT KEEP AN EYE ON MERCEDES

We’re off, finally

What was seen in Bahrein counts for little. Three days really are too few to understand the forces on the field, also because there is a lack of fundamental data to analyse the times coolly.

Of course, the impression is of a McLaren ahead of the pack. For me, they are the car of reference. They picked up from where they left off in 2024… In fact, with a slightly wider advantage.

It will be interesting to see who the anti-McLaren will be. We are at the end of a technical cycle, and it is easier to take a leap forward for those behind, see Williams. This is why I expect an upwards compaction of performances. From what was seen, Mercedes is the car, together with the team led by Andrea Stella, that made the most important evolutionary step, with all the “ifs” and “buts” of the case. For this reason, it must be watched closely starting from Friday’s free practice.

In recent days a lot of people have asked my opinion on Andrea Kimi Antonelli. During these years he has amply demonstrated all his technical worth, and his arrival in Mercedes is the result of this incredible work. He has certainly not been given anything for free. As we know, in this F1the car counts a lot. If he is supported by the car, he has all the credentials to do well right from the start.  However, the whole work environment must support him without putting too much pressure on him. Italy has been waiting for its World Champion since 1953…

Then there is Ferrari with Leclerc and Hamilton. I was positively impressed by Hamilton’s approach and by his positive attitude. He has incredible motivation. On the other hand, I have had the impression of a particularly nervous Leclerc, but then again, who would not know that with a seven times world champion by his side?

There are all the ingredients to experience an exciting first GP, with lots of questions waiting to be answered.  Whichever way it goes, it will take at least three or four rounds to get a clearer picture.

Good Formula 1 to everyone.

Gian Carlo Minardi