According to Martin Brundle, Mercedes’ difficulties are not just due to rake

During the first Grand Prix of the 2021 season, it was observed that the pace of the top two F1 teams has clearly shifted in favor of Red Bull. The Austrian team seems to have been less affected than Mercedes by the rule changes.

Mercedes believes that the changes to the rule on the floors — aimed at reducing downforce — penalized cars that had a significant rake, meaning a more pronounced inclination, unlike single-seaters like Red Bull which have a lower inclination. Aston Martin — formerly Racing Point — estimated the loss of speed caused by this regulation on its single-seaters at one second per lap. Much more than some cars.

For Brundle, long-time record holder for participating in Formula 1 Grand Prix races, the issue of “rake” is the tree that hides the forest. Indeed, he believes that this technical aspect cannot be held responsible for the entire performance decline compared to 2020.

« I think the rake story is a bit of a distraction and I think the Mercedes is not working very well at the moment,” Brundle told Autosport. « Red Bull and Honda are working particularly well, as are a few other cars. The regulations don’t allow for new improvements every week as it may have been in the past, but Mercedes will get through.”

Despite the difficulties shown by the W12, the Brackley team will bounce back according to the Sky Sports F1 commentator, convinced that Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton remain the combination to beat: “Hamilton and Mercedes are still the duo to beat for the world championship.”

Regarding next weekend’s race in Imola, Martin Brundle predicts another tight battle between Mercedes and Red Bull. He claims that Hamilton’s victory in Bahrain is proof that even in difficulty, Mercedes cannot be underestimated. Indeed, Mercedes remains the team with seven consecutive constructors’ titles and appears determined to perfect their dominance.

« I think it will be very tight »

« It depends on what they do to their car between sessions,” Brundle added. « I would not underestimate Mercedes. I mean, everyone is talking about the rake and how it harmed Mercedes and therefore Aston Martin, but unless I am mistaken, it was a Mercedes that won the race in Bahrain, with Red Bull dominating the last race [in Abu Dhabi] last year. »

« Hamilton was absolutely magnificent in Bahrain. I really don’t know who will be the best in Imola and that is what is wonderful about this sport. »

The season is still long and it is still too early to have the real answers to all the questions that may arise at the beginning of the season. One thing is certain, the battle between Mercedes and Red Bull is just beginning. So see you this weekend at Imola, for the second Grand Prix of this 2021 Formula 1 season.