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Hamilton believes Ferrari’s sparkling form in Spain is a mere scintilla of their true potential.
“I think Ferrari are bluffing and that they are a lot quicker than they are showing,” he said. “They are very close [to Mercedes], if not faster. It’s difficult right now to say who is quicker.”
It will be intriguing to see whether Hamilton’s prediction is borne out in an actual race this weekend, however.
But Vettel insists the all-conquering Mercedes will take some stopping once again. “They’re very fast if you look at their longrun pace. They’re the ones to beat,” the German said.
Are there any other credible title challengers? Yes, Red Bull. The dynamic duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen earned a win apiece last season, with Ricciardo ending the campaign third — two places above the teenage sensation Same V6 hybrid wer units, but higher revving increased noise Principal: Sir Frank Williams / Chief Technical Officer: Ed Wood / Car: Williams FW40 / Mercedes M08 EQ Power+ Managing director: Cyril Abiteboul / Technical Chief: Bob Bell / Car: Renault R.S.17 / Renault R.E.17 Verstappen. Their duel in Malaysia — which resulted in Ricciardo fronting Red Bull’s first one-two finish since 2014 — gave fans a glimpse of what the prodigious pair can do.
What are these changes? Well, the main ones are exciting new technical regulations, which have produced more powerful (and slightly heavier) cars, emboldened with extra downforce and mechanical grip from wider tyres. They will, of course, be much faster than their predecessors, and may well prove to be the fastest F1 cars ever. But with so much downforce and grip, they will also be much more taxing to drive — and more spectacular.
Front wing:
Backward sweep reduces effects of turbulence from car in front
muchvaunted
FELIPE MASSA
250 starts, 11 wins, 41 podiums BRA
LANCE STROLL
Debut season CAN
NICO HÜLKENBERG
115 starts, Best finish 4th GER
JOLYON PALMER
20 starts, Best finish 10th GBR What difference have Liberty Media already made? Liberty’s influence has been felt at testing, where teams were allowed to broadcast video on social media to bring fans closer to the action — a first step towards
LPrincipal: Eric Boullier / Technical director: Tim Goss / Car: McLarenHonda MCL32 / Honda RA617H
FERNANDO ALONSO
272 starts, 32 wins, 97 podiums ESP
STOFFEL VANDOORNE
1 start, Best finish 10th BEL Principal: Monisha Kaltenborn / Technical Director: Eric Gandellin /Car: Sauber C36 /Ferrari 062
MARCUS ERICSSON
56 starts, Best finish 8th SWE
PASCAL WEHRLEIN
21 starts, Best finish 10th GER a more modern way of watching F1. Bernie Ecclestone made no secret of the fact he did not understand social media, nor see any opportunity to monetise it. Liberty are keen to stage “20 Super Bowls” - ramping up each race. ewis Hamilton said yesterday he wants to see more women and fewer “dudes” in the paddock at Formula One grands prix.
The three-time world champion was asked what he would do if granted a wish ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
“More ladies in the paddock,” Hamilton responded at the drivers’ official press conference. “More paddock access to some women. There’s too many dudes in the paddock.”
The paddock is the Formula One track enclosure, usually located behind the pit lane, used by team support personnel, officials, media and VIPs.
McLaren’s two-time world champion Fernando Alonso agreed, but said his own wish would be “equal engines for everyone.”
Hamilton, who has been propelled by the dominant Mercedes power unit for the past three season, quipped: “I don’t agree with that one,” before taking a swipe at McLaren’s troubled engine supplier.
“Not Honda,” Hamilton said, before quickly adding: “I’m kidding.”