Hughes: 'First races will show where everyone stands'

With two races in Austria followed by a third race in Hungary, it looks like we'll have an exciting season start. Judging from last year Ferrari and Red Bull were good in Austria and in Hungary Mercedes and Red Bull were very bold. The big difference is that compared to last year's winter test the cars are now less developed than last year and these circuits are perfect to see where everyone will be.

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Because we're only starting now, it's still unclear who's where. Red Bull Racing, together with Mercedes, would be in very good shape. That's based on the winter tests, but that doesn't say it all. Is Ferrari really so far behind or is it not so bad in practice? According to Mark Hughes these circuits are therefore extra interesting, he writes on the Formula 1 website. Austria is a high altitude track where little downforce is needed, the circuit in Hungary is exactly the opposite.

So in Austria engine power is a very important factor and that is something Mercedes has at its disposal. At the same time you also have to deal with cooling because of the thinner air and that's where Mercedes went wrong last year, because they lost the necessary of their power at high altitude because of less cooling than the other top teams.

In Hungary the downforce is very important and the engine power is less sensitive, so the tide will turn. As these races will take place one after the other, we can prepare for a fascinating start. This is because these races will soon show the pecking order of the current field.

This can change during the season with updates to the cars, but the season is shorter and the races are closer together, so that makes for a fascinating scenario. It's more important than ever for Red Bull Racing to be in the lead if they want to realise their ambition to become champion with Verstappen this year.