The step forward of Mercedes F1 is supported by Bahrain’s “stitch”.

While Red Bull had the fastest car in Bahrain, Mercedes appears to be ahead at Imola, with Valtteri Bottas being the fastest in both training sessions on Friday.

Mercedes technical director James Allison said the team did not take what happened in Bahrain lightly, although an aggressive strategy and great defensive driving from Lewis Hamilton contributed to the win.

Reflecting on the last three weeks of work, Allison said, “I think it’s human nature that when you get stung you jump around a little harder than you otherwise could.

“We love the race and the fight, but we don’t like to feel like second best.”

“The Red Bull was faster than us in Bahrain and we did our best to move our car forward so we wouldn’t have to suffer this stab any longer than necessary.”

Allison said the advances at Imola came from the team finding a much better balance for the W12 than it was from auto upgrades.

Both drivers struggled with the rear end in Bahrain, but an intense effort at the factory as well as a huge simulator session with Bottas recently unlocked some answers on the best setup for the car.

“It’s just people working in the simulation, trying to see the areas where the car protested against us over there [in Bahrain],” he said.

“It’s about finding a balance through the corner that works better. But the key is almost always the same and that makes sure the tires are at the right temperature for the front and rear axles, from braking to apex to get out. “

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With Mercedes leading both championships, Allison said the start of the season didn’t feel like it had in previous years as the team wasn’t fully on their car.

“It’s another sensation,” he said. “While last year has been amazing when we worked together to produce one of the greatest racing cars of all time and had a season that was pretty flawless, there aren’t too many parts of last year that are deeply memorable.

“A simple victory is not remembered like one that is fought for tooth and nail like this in Bahrain.

“To win from an underdog position, which we definitely were, is just a brilliant experience and you will remember it forever. I know I will bore my grandchildren with it.”