Hughes impressed: 'One car is managing this extremely well'

The start of the first test days in Formula 1 also marks the beginning of a new era. With the introduction of the new regulations, much has changed about the cars. Mark Hughes gives his verdict after the first day.

Journalist Hughes was present at the Barcelona circuit today and was thus able to experience the new cars up close. He immediately noticed that the cars behave differently on the track than before.

On the website of The Race Hughes writes about his observations of the new cars. He notes that the cars have a harder time aerodynamically in the final corners because of the extra weight of the new 18-inch Pirelli tyres, something the drivers can feel quite well during braking. They also cannot use the kerbs as much in some corners anymore because of the stiffness of the suspension.

McLaren makes an impression

In the high-speed corners, however, it is a different story. There, the cars seem faster than ever because there is less air resistance due to the less effective wings. Charles Leclerc seems to have a lot of confidence in his Ferrari in turns seven and eight.

Turns two and three in particular demand a lot from the cars and drivers, but Hughes notes the following: "There’s one car which is managing this extremely well. Maybe it just has less fuel on board than the Mercedes and Ferrari which are running at the same time, maybe it’s just because its tyres are fresher. But Lando Norris’ McLaren is dynamite through here, with enough grip to allow him to sweep hard left after 2 to get a far wider, more advantageous, line into the long Turn 3. Every lap."