We are two races into the new formula one season, and it already seems that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are going to race away with both championships again. The reigning champion has been imperious in both races, registering wins in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia by huge margins. Even Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull has finished streaks ahead of his next challenger in the back-to-back opening race weekends. The main battle on the grid once again seems to be for second place in the constructors but who seems likeliest to finish behind Red Bull this season?
Ferrari
The Prancing Horse can rightly back up their current claim to be the best of the rest after their two third place finishes in the opening two races. Carlos Sainz Jnr completed the podium in Bahrain before the tables were turned in Saudi Arabia when Leclerc claimed third. Despite the fact Sainz missed that race after having appendix surgery, his replacement, 18-year-old Oliver Bearman, finished an extremely creditable 7th on race debut, ahead of fellow Brits Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
Mercedes
While the horse is not quite prancing yet, the Silver Arrows are certainly not pushing for gold. The days of domination are a distant memory. Sports betting markets at Cloudbet have long erased Mercedes from the top of the list of favorites to win a Grand Prix, let alone a championship. There is a lot more work for the Brackley-based team to do if they are to return to favor with the bookmakers and their cause will not be aided by the departure of Sir Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season to Ferrari. This is the season for George Russell to step up, but he needs the car to do so.
McLaren Mercedes
Compared to last season, it has been nowhere near as bad. There was great hope in the pre-season that McLaren could challenge Red Bull, considering the progress they made last season. However, besides a solid fourth place for Oscar Piastri, it has been an underwhelming start for the Woking-based team. Lando Norris is not close to finding the sweet spot in his McLaren and will be hoping that the team can find straight-line speed to make the car competitive.
It remains to be seen who will break from the pack chasing Red Bull to assert themselves as the best of the rest. Ferrari seem to have the edge right now, but their car has not exactly been bulletproof. Regardless, all the teams mentioned here will be hoping that new ideas, parts, and development will quickly translate to performance. Aston Martin will also want to be part of the discussion, which should hopefully provide good racing action for race fans.
