The 2022 Formula One season has officially begun with FP1 and FP2 being completed today. Ordinarily I wouldn’t analyse practice but I’m rather excited and am short of things to write about, so why not?
MERCEDES?
There are no words. At the end of FP2 Russell was seven tenths faster than Hamilton ranking fourth overall. I had in the back of my mind that they would remove the sandbags, stop the porpoising and storm their way to P1 and P2. It seems that is unlikely.
Russell estimates Mercedes are a second down on their competitors, that Alfa Romeo has better race pace (how ironic) and that they need to unlock the performance. It’s not the start I, or anyone else for that matter, wanted.
FERRARI DOMINATION?
Second and third came Ferrari, a marked improvement on the past few seasons and with five cars using their power units in the top ten they appear to have the pace.
This will delight the tifosi and anyone who just wants to see someone other than a Mercedes or Red Bull at the top, but I really hope it doesn’t stick.
WILL WOKING’S WOES EVER END?
First it was an ill Daniel Ricciardo, then some temperamental brake ducts, now a car that seems to be lacking pace. Will the issues affected the team from Woking ever end?
Hopefully things will be on the up for the team and they can iron the issues out early on, but Ricciardo needs a good season this year and early signs aren’t good.
Do comment your thoughts below.
Published in F1
