Currently, the benchmark in F1 is Red Bull. No other team on the grid is close to the Austrian team and everyone is in trying their best to copy the RB19’s design. However, for all the teams on the grid, it’s guesswork. Sergio Perez‘s crash in Monaco might’ve given everyone something to work with. Although, deciphering Adrian Newey’s genius based on pictures of the RB19’s floor alone is impractical. With all his experience, Lewis Hamilton understands that which is why he tried to dig up information firsthand from Max Verstappen. However, even in a “vulnerable” state, the Dutchman guarded the secrets well.

Daniel Ricciardo, taking on the journalistic duties at the Canadian GP, picked up on Hamilton’s move on “vulnerable” Verstappen. The Brit tried this tactic again with an extremely subtle approach in the green room of the Canadian GP. However, even then, a well-hydrated Verstappen did not give anything up. Peter Windsor, in his latest YouTube, praised the Dutchman’s tight-lipped approach.

Windsor said, “When they were talking in the green room, Lewis [Hamilton], the first thing he said was, ‘The bouncing was terrible’ or something like that. You can see Max [Verstappen] was – he didn’t want to give anything away at all, did he? About what the Red Bull was really like to drive.”

Peter cited that Verstappen was trying to consciously not reveal any secrets about the RB19. He further added, “You could see his brain ticking over and he was thinking, ‘I better not say I was incredibly good on my car,’ or ‘It was there but I lived with it and it wasn’t an issue’. Then he changed the subject to the kerb straight away which I thought was really funny.”

Although, there is a feeling Mercedes will be able to catch up with Red Bull if they continue on this developmental journey. However, Windsor does not believe so.

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Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes soaring high expectations tempered compared to Red Bull

Mercedes is undoubtedly on the rise ever since the upgrade package and new side pod design. They have two back-to-back podiums and overall positive results to show for it. Although according to Windsor, this upgrade package might be good enough to catch Aston Martin but Red Bull is still too far in the front.

“As a fan of Lewis Hamilton you can get excited because Mercedes is getting closer to Aston Martin, if you think they’re going to beat Red Bull in the near future, with the exception of an extreme situation, you’ll be disappointed,” said Windsor.

There is still a long way for Mercedes to go before they’re on the same level as Red Bull. However, there is hope in the Mercedes camp now, and nobody can predict how things will look toward the end of the season.

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