Formula One testing has come to an end, and there’s lots of new regulations the teams have had to get used to – and its been a mixed bag.
New engine and chassis regulations have come into effect this season including the removal of the Drag Reduction System.
Which has made the cars smaller and lighter and reducing downforce and drag overall – through the new Active Aero system.
With the last major change happening in the sport in 2022, teams have had four years in order to try and master their cars ready for the year – but not everyone has done that.
Current World Champions McLaren seemed to enjoy a smooth period overall in testing – with current World Drivers Champion Lando Norris seeming to put in good lap times in the car, topping the first day’s timing charts.
New kids on the block Cadillac also didn’t seem to get off to that bad of a start.
The driver pairing of former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, and ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas put up consistent times during the test, albeit struggling towards the back of the pack.
They will be using Ferrari power units however until at least 2028/29.
Another team struggling after testing is Aston Martin with their new Team Principal Adrian Newey having some food for thought following chassis issues and reliability issues, perfectly seen when Lance Stroll put the car in the gravel trap, causing a red flag.
In terms of whose been best, it seems as though Ferrari have been the ones to watch and in particular the Monégasque Charles Leclerc.
Also fighting up the top of the timesheets were the Mercedes duo of Kimi Antonelli, and George Russell who were banging out the laps – however Antonelli didn’t have the best in terms of reliability.
Last year’s Constructors title challengers Red Bull also seem to be on the up especially with their own new powertrain that they have developed alongside Ford.
In terms of the midfield, it’s a battle between Haas and Alpine, with Racing Bulls rearing their head slowly during testing.
All this considered, it will be interesting to see who was truly running at full power, and who may have been hiding their true potential.