By Joe Murphy
With Bahrain still very much fresh on the minds of Formula 1 fans across the world, we already have to turn our attention to Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, for Round Two. Occurring just a week after Leclerc’s statement-making win, there is much to ponder ahead of the next race. It’s that time again to consider some of the possible outcomes of the weekend.
Can Charlie do it again?
Whilst Wheel2Wheel predicted it would be a Ferrari who was victorious in Bahrain, I made the simple mistake of choosing the wrong driver. Whilst Carlos Sainz’ showing was impressive to say the least, it was his teammate that, in fact, stole the headlines. To be considered a genuine title challenger, Leclerc not only has to win, but has to be consistent. This has been his seemingly only major downfall, in his short F1 career so far. Therefore, as much as his win last week made a statement, another one here would really get people talking. Not only would Ferrari establish themselves as having the best car, but they would have a realistic chance at the Driver’s Championship. This is something that hasn’t been the case, over the last few years. So expect another battle with Max, with Leclerc yet again standing on the top step of the podium when events conclude in the Middle East, on Sunday evening.
More struggles for McLaren?
The slowest car? Maybe. Perhaps the McLaren is still going through some kind of developmental phase that eventually brings it clearly in front of the Aston Martin and the Williams’ cars. As of this moment though, that orange car will be lucky to score points in Jeddah. Whilst such a scenario isn’t too far outside the realms of possibility for Daniel Ricciardo or Lando Norris, they are more than a little dependent on other, faster, teams encountering issues. The Australian finished tenth at this circuit last year, whilst the younger of the drivers came home in tenth. I don’t feel that I’ll surprise many readers by suggesting that the team would cut their metaphorical arm off, for a repeat result this weekend.
George to beat Lewis on at least one of the days…
This didn’t happen in Bahrain. And to be fair to Lewis, it never really looked like happening either. Whilst George Russell was by no means miles away from his veteran teammate, Lewis was the one who put himself nearer to the front four, eventually battling to a podium, taking advantage of misfortune to other cars problems. With Hamilton ahead in both qualifying and race results so far, George won’t want to see this go 0-2. Moreover, whilst the factors may even be external ones, you can back George to out-do his compatriot on at least one of the days of the weekend. Whether or not this means he can get his first podium for Mercedes this weekend, remains to be seen.
Will Haas and Alfa Romeo continue to impress?
Those Ferrari engines are giving these teams a boost, the likes of which you would see in Mario Kart! The bottom two teams from last season had brilliant results in the opening race and everyone will be watching to see if this is their true pace, or a fluke. Whilst a repeat performance of fifth from Kevin Magnussen would be nothing short of miraculous, I don’t expect it to happen, the same can be said for Valtteri Bottas in the Alfa Romeo. Don’t forget each of these gained two places due to Red Bull’s misfortune, and this should be considered. Therefore, will these two teams battle it out for P8 and P9? Perhaps that is more likely. Still, a huge improvement for both of these teams when compared to only a few months ago, especially the American Constructor.
Are Aston Martin the slowest team?
With McLaren surely not as bad as reflected in last weekend’s results, and both Haas and Alfa Romeo seemingly finding an extra mode of pace, you’re left with two teams hosting Mercedes engines languishing at the bottom of the standings. Did you think you’d hear that in 2022? I, for one, certainly didn’t. Since donning the green attire and changing their name from Racing Point, results haven’t quite been the same. It’s not like they are taking backwards steps, more a case of making no steps whilst others around them appear to develop and improve more efficiently. In fairness to the team, plans were thrown into chaos with Sebastian Vettel’s late withdrawal leading to Nico Hulkenberg filling in at the last moment. Hardly the ideal scenario to kick off the season. With no word currently on if the four-time World Champion will return in Saudi Arabia, you’re left to presume it will be the other German driver we see around the paddock. At current pace and with all things considered, it could be a long weekend that could result in Aston Martin not having much to show for it when all is said and done. Let’s hope that one of the drivers, let’s say Lance Stroll, at least challenges for the points. Sadly, I’d say finishing in 15th place is far more realistic.
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