Ahead of the GP weekend in Bahrain, there is great doubt about Mercedes' form. Certainly, during the winter test the team seemed to have big problems, but with them you never know to what extent they have shown their true speed. Regardless of their problems, Johnny Herbert is not worried about Mercedes.
"I think in the end Mercedes will be fine, although they might have a little problem with the rear end. But we all know Max had it last year too. Alex [Albon] couldn't deal with that, but special drivers can."
A string of special drivers
"That was true for the Mansells of this world, for Senna, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen. The same applies to Lewis and Max. They can deal well with a nervous rear end and I think Mercedes will still sort it out, as Red Bull have done."
Mercedes themselves say they have already made a big step forward with the instability of the car between the winter test and this weekend's Grand Prix. This is reflected in the times set by Lewis Hamilton in the free practice sessions, while Valtteri Bottas is struggling to keep the car on the track.