During the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, there were a number of driving errors or, more commonly, imperfections from the drivers when taking a specific corner.
But that was not the case of the Ferrari F1-75 car which proved to be very consistent to drive. This allowed Charles Leclerc in particular to take the corners with the same stability and performance each time, apparently without ever suffering from braking or understeer, unlike Max Verstappen. This was also useful in keeping tire degradation and fuel consumption under control.
As reported by formu1a.uno, a qualified source estimates the difference between Ferrari and Red Bull in favor of the Maranello team at at least 5 hp and 10 kg. If this is true, the engineers have recovered 25 hp on Honda, perhaps even more on Mercedes. The problems faced by the world champion team still do not allow them to make their level completely clear. Toto Wolff minimizes by shifting the focus to the package, nevertheless customer teams show that the German Power Unit may be slightly further behind in terms of power.
Sakhir (like Jeddah) is an engine track where 5 hp account for 1 tenth and 10 kg over 2 tenths and a half. GPS data showed that Ferrari is currently less effective than the RB18 on the straights at low speeds, but compensates for acceleration and through greater aerodynamic stability in medium corners, such as 4, and in fast corners.
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These figures suggest that Red Bull also made a great car despite being distracted by the 2021 Formula 1 world title battle against Lewis Hamilton. Their big problem remains overweight, a factor that can also affect tire degradation.
The technical department led by Adrian Newey will certainly try to introduce solutions to reduce weight, while in Maranello they will continue the development process by bringing updates only when they are sure they will provide an advantage.
If neither of them gets it wrong, it is likely that Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull will be close throughout the entire 2022 Formula 1 season.
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