The week leading up to the start of the Formula 1 season is always an exciting time for us. It’s when we take a break from the pre-season chaos and rank the teams based on various factors. We’ve spoken to drivers and F1 experts, analyzed data, and made educated guesses to come up with this ranking. Keep in mind that this is just a snapshot of how we saw the teams at the end of testing in Bahrain, not a definitive prediction for the season opener.
Haas:
New Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu predicted that his team would be at the back of the grid, if not last. While testing seemed to support this prediction, it would be surprising if Haas is completely detached from the rest of the field. The team has been focused on a late-2023 upgrade that didn’t solve their main tire issues, but it did lay the groundwork for their new car. Kevin Magnussen, who struggled with last year’s car, feels more confident in this year’s car, especially in terms of consistency and trust. Haas focused on long runs during testing and completed more laps than any other team.
Alpine:
Alpine had a reliable testing period, which is a positive change for the team. Based on their long-run pace, they seem to be in the back group of teams. However, the performance of their car during testing was positive. The team made improvements in high-speed stability and drag level, which were weaknesses of their previous car. The switch to pullrod front suspension seems to have given them better control of the car’s mechanical platform. Alpine had a good single-lap pace and looks like they have a good, predictable car to build from.
Sauber:
Sauber is still in the back group of teams, but their long-run pace during testing was promising. The car showed improvements in high-speed stability and drag level, which were major weaknesses last year. The switch to pullrod front suspension seems to have given them better control of the car’s mechanical platform. Sauber had a good single-lap pace and the team is optimistic about their progress. While they may not be able to challenge the top teams, they have a good platform to build upon.
Williams:
Williams had a mixed testing period, with some setbacks on the first day. However, they made progress and ended up in the top four teams in the lower midfield. The team has a new car with different characteristics, which required a different approach. They are cautiously optimistic about their car and have made improvements in quelling the weaknesses from last year. With a few days to analyze the data and some upgrades planned for the opening race, Williams has a good platform to build upon.
RB VCARB 01:
Red Bull had an impressive testing period and is considered the favorite for the upcoming season. Their car looked great on track and set competitive lap times. The team is confident in their car and has had a lot of mileage for reliability validation and set-up work. They have made significant changes to the car and have hit the ground running with an evolved concept. Red Bull is expected to be the benchmark for the season.
Aston Martin:
Aston Martin had a strong testing period and is more competitive compared to last year. The team is happy with how the test went and feels they are in the mix with McLaren. The car looks quick on the straights and has improved in terms of consistency. Aston Martin has addressed the issues from last year and has a good platform for development. While they may not be able to repeat their success from last year’s start, they are close enough to challenge the top teams.
McLaren:
McLaren had a disrupted testing period but believes their car is delivering as expected. They have a good foundation for development and have made progress in addressing their weaknesses from last year. However, there are still deficits in certain areas. McLaren struggled more than their rivals on long runs, but they believe they are not behind Aston Martin. They have a good platform to build upon and aim to consolidate their finishing position from last year.
Mercedes:
Mercedes had their best pre-season testing since the current regulations were introduced. The long-run pace looks strong, potentially challenging Ferrari. However, there is still work to be done on the single laps. The team has made significant changes to the car, particularly in terms of the mechanical platform. The drivers are more confident in the car’s stability and consistency. While it’s difficult to judge the pace precisely without a full race simulation, Mercedes looks competitive.
Ferrari:
Ferrari is considered Red Bull’s leading challenger. The car is working well and both drivers are happy with its feel and consistency. The team has addressed the tire degradation issues from last year and expects to race better this season. While it may be asking too much for Ferrari to beat Red Bull in Bahrain, they are close enough to give them a challenge. Ferrari has a platform for development and could become a bigger threat as the season progresses.