Potentially but the conditions during the test were very abnormal. It might not have given teams as much useful data for this upcoming weekend as they'd be used to in previous seasons.r85 wrote: ↑07 Apr 2025, 09:21I agree with most of the points, but won't the field be at its closest for a while in Bahrain? Teams have had 3 days of running on the track, none of the cars have had major upgrades and there's the benefit of 3 race weekends of car understanding they'll be bringing to Bahrain. The pecking order might not change, but if the field is close then I can see Verstappen winning the race through strategy like Hamilton in 2021.ringo wrote: ↑07 Apr 2025, 04:33Agreed on P3 being likely if Norris and Piastri maintain their relatively good performance.
The field will stretch and open up strategy opportunities for Mclaren to use both cars.
Redbull could bring Yuki into play here.
The redflags in the last race did not help him in Practice or Qualifying. If Yuki is even up to P7, he can be used to help Max.
I think the car will be easier to drive in Bahrain, but so will the McLarens and this is a sport of relativity.
The Ferraris will also be a threat and Mercedes.
It may be a race of damage limitation for Redbull. But at least the car can be 2nd best if it's setup progressively over a weekend. That's what we have seen in Suzuka.
Either way, if teams ARE quickly dialed in because of the help of testing data, then it would only make RB/Verstappen's job harder because Mclaren will also be dialed in, and when they have such great race pace and low tire wear, they will have advantages when it comes to strategy options.
If a 3 race delay is useful to make it work / improve it, I'll take it. If with upgrade they can manage to put the car whereabout McLaren is (know this is a bit delusional but it's the only hope), a little delay won't damage Max too much on the long term, vice versa if it does change nothing, then bringing it now or in Imola it's the same.
