Can Mercedes problem Red Bull in new F1 season? | You Ask The Questions
Lewis Hamilton has hit again at Damon Hill and Jenson Button by telling them he’s a “fighter” – and insists he won’t retire from Formula 1.
Speaking on the eve of the opening spherical in Bahrain on Sunday – the place Hamilton has already conceded Mercedes will begin on the again foot – the seven-time world champion scoffed at options this might be his seventeenth and closing marketing campaign on the grid.
Elsewhere, Aston Martin have confirmed that Lance Stroll will take part on this weekend’s Formula 1 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix having missed testing final week on account of a wrist harm.
First observe will get underway on Friday at 11:30am (GMT), with FP2 later at 3:00pm (GMT) as the primary race weekend of the 2023 season begins – see race weekend instances right here.
Follow dwell updates from observe on the Bahrain GP with The Independent
F1 LIVE: George Russell offers trustworthy evaluation of Mercedes’ probabilities at Bahrain Grand Prix
George Russell fears Max Verstappen’s Red Bull will likely be in a “league of their own” at Formula One’s opening race of the season in Bahrain.
Verstappen will begin the brand new marketing campaign on Sunday because the overwhelming favorite to take his third consecutive world crown after he and Red Bull impressed in testing.
Mercedes completed third within the constructors’ standings final 12 months, however regardless of fixing their porpoising woes, there are low expectations they are going to be ready to battle on the entrance this weekend, and probably this season.
Indeed, Russell, who’s gearing up for his second 12 months with Mercedes, believes his crew would possibly even have slipped behind a rejuvenated Aston Martin within the pecking order. However, the Englishman, 25, has not given up hope that the Silver Arrows will have the ability to haul themselves again into competition because the 12 months progresses.
“It’s going to be a challenging weekend if we want to try and fight for that victory,” stated Russell.
“It’s definitely fair to say Red Bull are in a league of their own this weekend. It will be a nice fight for second place, probably between Ferrari and Aston Martin.”
Kieran Jackson3 March 2023 08:53
F1 LIVE: Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s dwell protection of observe on Friday on the Bahrain Grand Prix – the primary race of the 2023 F1 season!
The pleasure is palpable as – after a three-day take a look at final weekend on the Bahrain International Circuit – we see the 2023 automobiles for the primary time on a race weekend. Will Max Verstappen be as robust as final 12 months? How about Ferrari’s problem? Can Mercedes be proper again up there? And are Aston Martin now in with a shout too?!
First observe at present begins at 11:30am (GMT) earlier than FP2 begins at 3pm – and you may comply with in-depth build-up and protection proper right here!
Kieran Jackson3 March 2023 08:50