After another action-packed Grand Prix in China on the weekend, you could argue that Formula One is currently the strongest it has been for many, many years.
With three races behind us, we can start to draw some enlightening conclusions about the teams and the sport itself.
The drivers’ title is far from over
When the hosts of BBC’s Formula One radio program asked Nico Rosberg about his chances of taking the title this year, considering that every driver to win the first three races has walked away with the championship trophy, his answer was honest, candid and endearing:
“Those guys didn’t have Lewis Hamilton for a teammate!”
One of the things counting against Nico is that he hasn’t claimed a pole position against Lewis when they’ve gone head-to-head this year, despite his dominance at the end of last season.
Another is that there are 18 races remaining this season. Hamilton has beaten Nico in the previous two seasons by 67 points and 59 points respectively, so even if you rule a line under the opening three races and let Nico and Lewis duke it out for the rest of the season, you’d expect Hamilton to give Nico a run for his money.
“At this stage of the season it’s about collecting points without looking at the championship,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
“The gap is substantial but it is very early days. [Lewis] is mentally very strong so I have no doubt that it will be close at the end.”
Red Bull look good, and Kvyat knows what’s up
It’s clear that Sebastian Vettel was incredibly embarrassed about slamming into the side of his teammate the opening corners of the grand prix, with Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne watching from the sidelines no less, and needed a scapegoat.
The very fact that Daniil Kvyat saw an opportunity, went for it, made it stick and made no apologies after the race truly shows his character.
The move was clearly on, and it demonstrated the hunger and determination that Valtteri Bottas was trying to illustrate in Bahrain.
In the cool-down room and on the podium Kvyat didn’t blink, and showed no signs of backing down, despite copping an undeserved blast from the four-time world champion.
Although Daniel Ricciardo jumped Rosberg for the lead, it was clear that Nico was biding his time and waiting until his could utilise DRS to overtake him around lap three or four, before a puncture made the overtake a fait accompli.
Still, out-qualifying both of the Ferraris in a race where one of the Mercedes was starting from dead last meant that they were aiming for at least a double-podium, if not a win.
“You came like a torpedo,” Vettel insisted after the race. Given the consistency of the Red Bull package, if I were Sergio Marchionne, I’d be asking Seb to stop pointing out their performance advantage.
Wider, faster tyres may not eventuate
As Formula One searches for speed, noise and spectacle, it may also be looking for a new tyre supplier, with Pirelli threatening to pull out if steps are not taken to accommodate testing for a new wider tyre specification.
Although Paul Hembrey’s request for 25 days of testing with a least five different Formula One teams is at odds with the existing reluctance for allowing the teams to test their cars excessively in-season, he insisted that his demand be met.
“We cannot do our job without this,” he threatened. “We cannot deliver. We are being asked to make very significant changes, by changing the driveability of the tyres.”
Although he may feel like he is standing on the outside looking in, the FIA and FOM have had the qualifying debacle to contend with in recent times, and with the existing regulation changes and additional tyre options during the race, not only have the times and speeds improved but the racing is noticeably more exciting.
More than likely, as with most things in Formula One, if there isn’t an urgent need for change then it’s unlikely to eventuate. We will probably see the existing tyre specification remain for 2017.
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