Because of the way different aspects of F1 cars interact with different aspects of a track, there are some tracks in the world that certain teams prefer over others. Such is the case with the circuits for the next two race weekends, Portugal and Barcelona, and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Mercedes would dominate these two races.
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Last season, the Silver Arrows took home victory on both tracks when Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line first. The team wants to bring the same spirit to the table when they race on these tracks this year.
Mercedes has an advantage in Portugal and Barcelona: Horner
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As quoted by Motorsport.nextgen-auto.com, Horner said: “Both are excellent tracks, but tracks that, according to information from last year, should work in favor of the Mercedes.”
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton crosses the finish line in the second REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini
“Portimao was a good addition to the calendar last year. Hopefully the surface will have aged a bit as the recently re-surfaced track was very slippery. Barcelona is the benchmark from which we all have a lot of data. So it will be interesting to see who is ahead.
FILE PHOTO: Formula 1 F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the race and the World Championship Pool via REUTERS / Clive Mason / Pool / File Photo
“I’m looking forward to both races and you can be sure that we are full of energy and motivation. If we can put pressure on Mercedes on these tracks, that will be a good sign for the rest of the year.
“I’ve always said it would take four races to get a clear picture of the pecking order. Now is the litmus test,” said Horner. (Translated from French via Google)
Can the Silver Arrows dominate as the Austrian team suggested?
When Hamilton crossed the finish line first, Red Bull managed to get on the podium. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to take home the win. Based on previous results, the Austrian team believe their rivals will win again this year.
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While winning the track certainly gave Mercedes and Lewis the edge this year, the 2021 season has proven more interesting and unpredictable than last year. Of the two races so far, Hamilton won the first despite the second start and Verstappen the second despite the third start.
Red Bull also fielded a much more competitive car this year. But will it be good enough to stop the Silver Arrows or will they dominate the track again? What are your predictions for the upcoming race in Spain? Let us know in the comments below.
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