Poll: Has Red Bull closed the gap to Mercedes?

The first two practice sessions of the new Formula 1 season are over, and so far Red Bull Racing seem to be continuing in the same vein as in the winter test. Mercedes on the other hand hasn't got the car where they want it to be. Does this mean that Red Bull have finally closed the gap? Or have they even upped the ante and taken a lead over Mercedes already?

The first conclusions can only be drawn after qualifying, but up until now the balance of power is certainly different to previous years. Where it's usually Mercedes who has everything in order, the team now looks to be searching. It seems to have swapped places with Red Bull Racing, who are looking fast and consistent so far.

Is Red Bull the favorite in 2021?

If this trend continues then it could mean that Red Bull have not only closed the gap, but increased their lead over Mercedes. But Mercedes' problems won't be permanent, so the question is what the team will be like when they have solved those problems?

Then there is another possibility, something Mercedes has been known for, for some time: sandbagging. To what extent did the team apply this in the first two sessions? Or do they really have a problem, so the opportunity for this doesn't even present itself? We'll know more in just under twenty hours, until then we'll have to make do with Friday's results.