Buxton praises Mercedes strategy: 'Left Red Bull scratching their heads'

What we have wanted for so long

In a video for the official Formula One channels, Buxton and Barretto discuss the opening race and both wax lyrical about it. "I can't remember the last time we had such a good race. From start to finish we thought both Lewis and Max could win this race. That's what we've wanted for so long," said Barretto.

A close match

Red Bull Racing have been regularly described as the favourites ahead of the season, and Buxton and Barretto believe this to be the case. Barretto: "I don't think Mercedes are the favourites this year, but I think it's much closer than people might have thought. I think Mercedes and Red Bull are pretty evenly matched."

According to Buxton, Mercedes were also quite lucky in Bahrain. "Mercedes had to take the gamble with the undercut and it paid off. They left Red Bull scratching the back of their heads."

Controversial corner

Verstappen's overtaking in turn four meant he went off-track and had to hand the spot back to Hamilton moments later, but the rules regarding turn four were anything but clear during the race. "It's not a win without controversy. There are a lot of questions about turn four. The legality of what Lewis did and Verstappen's move for the win." Barretto also believes it was too much of a grey area now. "They need to make this more black and white."

Despite this, the two journalists are looking ahead to the rest of the season with enthusiasm. "We go to Imola now with the hope that we will have a season that can bring us a lot of joy," said the two. Everyone probably hopes that with them.