Mercedes' advantage smaller than it seems: 'Lead over Red Bull is misleading'

It was expected that the race weekend in Barcelona would be representative of the relationships between the Formula One teams. If that is indeed the case, things are looking good for Mercedes so far. However, according to reporter Mark Hughes, things are not looking as good as the timesheets suggest.

Speaking on behalf of The Race, he writes that Mercedes may have an advantage over Red Bull Racing, but it's only a small one. "At their peak there is little in between - Max Verstappen was second in morning practice, although he would have been fastest if you added up his best sector times - but Mercedes' run was less interrupted," Hughes explains.

Mercedes' session was less interreupted than Red Bull's

He continued: "Verstappen damaged his front wing twice at the modified kerb at Turn 7, once in the morning and again in the afternoon, but less seriously. He was on a lap that could challenge Mercedes when he had a big moment at the exit of Turn 10, driving in and out of the pits more often and not being on the track for as long. In addition, his long runs were interrupted by traffic. Things like that can cost you dearly in hour-long practice sessions."

Mercedes on the other hand had a less interrupted session according to Hughes. In addition, especially the long runs of Sergio Perez seem to indicate that Red Bull has something to spare. Hughes therefore thinks that Mercedes does have a slight advantage, but that Red Bull certainly can't be blotted out for victory on Sunday.