Schumacher designates new season favourite: 'No doubt about that'
The Formula 1 season will kick off in Bahrain in just over two weeks. Ralf Schumacher cannot wait for the new racing year and, talking to Sky Sports Deutschland, analysed in advance what we can expect from the teams.
Although it is difficult to say how strong the formations actually are prior to the test days, the former Formula 1 driver stated that he is expecting a lot from Mercedes. The Germans managed to recover in 2022 after a difficult start and want to go for the world title again this race year.
Schumacher thinks the team is on the right track. "In addition, they have a very strong driver duo," he pointed to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. "Red Bull will be hoping for Max Verstappen. There is no doubt about that. That is the team to beat."
Schumacher tough on Ferrari
Besides Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, he also sees a lot of potential for Ferrari. The Italian formation has a lot of fresh energy internally with new team boss Frederic Vasseur, although it remains to be seen whether Ferrari can get off to a good start straight away.
"With Ferrari, it's always a bit of a wait and see. The team can be extremely strong at times, but we also have to note that both drivers have made a lot of mistakes. The team has also made mistakes. There are some shortcomings."
In my opinion, the best driver pairing is Leclerc and Sainz!!!
@ferrarifanatic, clearly you're a Red fan no problem with that but why do you think LeC and Sainz are a better pairing than LH and Russell ? Other than the fact they drive for your favourite team !! I haven't included RB because Checo is just a support driver for the golden child !!
I am a Tifosi, but nevertheless I believe Carlos to be on a par with Lewis. Charles is quicker than Lewis and Carlos, and at this stage Charles is quicker and more experienced than George!!
It's just the way I see it and thus came to my conclusion!! I did mention it is my opinion!!
I agree Leclerc and Sainz seem like the best pairing. Lewis is too volatile and over his top and George can't yet match Lewis' speed at times. But if i was a team boss i would prefer Max and Alonso as a team.
Agree, Leclerc and Sainz.
Lewis has become excess baggage at Merc.
There is no pampering of Max, he simply earned his place through domination on track. Currently there is no one equal to him.
No pampering !! He got a team order to give up a place for his teammate, not only ignored it but had a hizzy fit, which was televised to all, told the team he wouldn't help, and after the race Horner made his usual excuses for Max and wasn't penalised by the team at all, and that's not pampering !! Sounds more like he's the boss and controls the team ? the Helmet would have been very vocal if that had happened at Merc / Ferrari but not a word from him.... BTW, he is definitely the faster driver but it is a TEAM sport
Well said, best driver pair on the grid. RB's strategy of pampering a single driver is very risky as the other teams will catch-up with car development.
They cannot afford such strategy, with minimal consequence in terms of car development, because of the luxury of a sister team. Anyways a rough patch for Max would be disastrous for Redbull at the moment.
best driver pair on the grid?? could well be... number 2 and 3 then....
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