Not Mercedes: Red Bull Claim Strongest F1 Challenger Naming Ferrari & McLaren as Potential Contenders

F1 teams concluded the first round of pre-season testing in Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week. Now, they will regroup again in two weeks’ time at Bahrain International Circuit for the final round of testing. Before coming to Barcelona, there were speculations all-around in the F1 community as to how these new-generation cars will perform. Now, the teams have gathered all the necessary data after three days of rigorous testing. 2021 driver’s champion team Red Bull also had an impressive outing in Barcelona.

Driver duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez combined to log 358 laps over three days. The primary aim of all the teams is to get mileage under their belt in these new-generation cars, and Red Bull have nothing to worry about on that front. At the end of the 3-day testing, Sergio Perez had clocked the third-fastest lap time, with Mercedes bagging the top-2 spots.

F1 enters a new era in 2022, a major overhaul in regulation with a quest to make the sport fair and sustainable. With this, there is an opportunity for teams like Ferrari and McLaren to climb back the ladder. However, there is a risk for teams already at the top to lose their edge, as has happened before in F1.

However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is convinced that Red Bull will continue to be a front runner in 2022.

Helmut Marko believes Red Bull will fight at the front in 2022 as well

The 2021 F1 season was arguably the fiercest we have seen in a long time. Red Bull and Mercedes went neck to neck for the title, something this sport hasn’t witnessed in the last few years. Now, with new regulations sweeping over, can Red Bull carry forward their momentum in 2022 as well? Marko says yes.

In a recent interview, reported by PlanetF1, Marko’s statements indicate that the Barcelona shakedown has convinced him of Red Bull’s chances to compete at the top in 2022. “We believe that we are among the front runners,” said Marko.

Moreover, he believes Ferrari and McLaren are also looking good to be at the top. The Maranello team logged more laps than any other team in pre-season tests, 439. Meanwhile, McLaren stands third with 367 laps over three days. “Ferrari seems to be strong and McLaren is also there,” expressed Marko.

Now, all the teams are gearing up for the second and final testing at the Bahrain circuit. The unpredictable 2022 campaign will kick off on 18th March. Tell us your bold predictions ahead of this much-exciting season.

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