Early testing at the Formula 1 preseason event in Sakhir, Bahrain, isn’t revealing definitive performance levels, but it is offering glimpses of what could be in store as teams prepare for the season opener.
Ahead of the final test session – a crucial opportunity to assess true on-track performance – some are pointing to Red Bull as a team that appears to be on the right track.
Both drivers from Williams – a Mercedes power unit customer – have made noteworthy observations regarding the RB22, which will be driven this year by Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.
“It’s still very early days, but judging by yesterday’s GPS data, it’s true that whatever Red Bull Ford Powertrains were doing yesterday was clearly a step ahead of everyone else,” said Carlos Sainz.
“Not just a small step, but a significant and truly impressive one.
“If they can arrive at the first race with a completely new regulation set, a completely new engine, new people, and prove to be the fastest and most reliable engine, then you have to capture your hat off to them and admire what they’ve achieved, because what they showed yesterday was truly impressive.”
Alexander Albon shares a similar view. The Thai driver also highlighted how driveable the RB22 already seems, in addition to the power unit’s performance.
La power unit della Red Bull
Foto di: AG Photo
This is particularly impressive considering the team has developed an entirely new thermal engine and paired it with a 350kW MGU-K – a significant power increase from previous models – and quickly found a way to maximize the combined output during a lap.
“The new car is slightly more agile than last year’s. First of all, there are quite significant differences between the teams. I think even just looking at the track, you can see that you follow a McLaren, you follow a Haas. Completely different driving lines, different ways of getting a lap time. Different setups during the lap. So I think everything will start to converge as we gain closer to the start of the first race.”
“I think in terms of corners, there are some competitive teams. I think the first four teams are all good in the twisty sections. But Red Bull is strong on the straights. What we’ve seen so far is… Not only is it strong on the straights, but it also seems more consistent in terms of performance. The driveability is excellent.”
“At the moment, a lot of the lap time depends on driveability and the ability to make the car smooth as possible.”
These statements from the Williams drivers add to comments from Toto Wolff. The Mercedes power unit, and its compression ratios, are currently under scrutiny, leading teams to shift focus to Red Bull Powertrains.
The shift in attention isn’t surprising, as Red Bull initially appeared to have found a way to adjust compression ratios like their German rivals. However, the team, led by Laurent Mekies, later reversed course and joined the protesting teams. The battle surrounding the power units, like the new era of Formula 1, is just beginning – as are the jabs, and controversies.
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