A major package of improvements introduced over the weekend in Barcelona helped Mercedes complete its most competitive Grand Prix of the season to date.
George Russell finished third, taking his second podium of the year, while Lewis Hamilton recovered from a puncture on the first lap to cross the checkered flag in fifth position, although were it not for a final problem with his power unit, would have finished fourth.
The pace of the W13 prompted Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to say that they had had the fastest car during Sunday’s race, something that has renewed their belief that they can still win the title this year.
Instead, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto believes the Mercedes weekend needs to be put into context, as it is clear the German manufacturer is still not even up to par with the Maranello outfit in 2021.
Speaking to Sky , Binotto said: “First I want to congratulate them, because they have recovered and improved the speed of their car.”
“[In qualifying] they were seven tenths off the pace of the fastest qualifying lap, on a circuit that is still short. [In the race] they finished 30 seconds or more behind the Red Bull that won, and could have been maybe 40 with Charles Leclerc.
“Forty seconds, 66 laps, it’s still six or seven tenths a lap, which is still significant. It’s like Ferrari last year.
Although Binotto does not want to get too carried away by the current position of Mercedes, Red Bull is aware of the potential that the Brackley -based team has.
After seeing how quickly they have been able to bounce back from serious problems earlier in the season, energy drink team principal Christian Horner believes Mercedes has a chance to do something similar.
Reflecting on the change in hierarchy between Red Bull and Ferrari , Horner said: “I think this shows how quickly things can change.”
“I think after Australia we finished the weekend 40 points behind and now we are leading by six points before we get to Monaco a couple of races later. That shows how quickly things can change in this Formula 1. .
“That’s why I wouldn’t rule out Mercedes yet because of the number of points still to be played. We know that Ferrari has a very fast car. So you know, things can change very quickly.” Milton Keynes.
