Mercedes driver admits: 'Red Bull is steps ahead of us'

The long winter break is finally over, and it is time for F1 test days. Although much is still uncertain, Mercedes driver George Russell admits that it looks like Red Bull Racing is steps ahead of the rest of the field.

During the test days, Formula 1 fans are already getting a small insight into how relations will unfold in the upcoming season. Although there are always teams that are not yet putting all their cards on the table of course.

Despite the relationships between the teams not being entirely clear yet, George Russell is convinced that Red Bull is going to be the favourite for the 2024 championship. ''They're having great momentum at the moment, they started these new regulations on the front foot. And they came here and have been solid ever since. They're definitely the favourites,'' he said during the second day of testing in Bahrain.

Russell speaks highly of the Austrian team. "They're definitely a step ahead of everybody else here in Bahrain. So, they've had an impressive winter, no doubt. But that was to be expected. Such an impressive team and outfit. We need to see where we fall out in the coming races."