P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull says F1 advantage "distorted" but Mercedes not convinced
Max Verstappen demonstrated an exceptional performance by winning the season’s kickoff race with a substantial lead over his competitors. Red Bull’s significant advantage in race pace has surprised the opposition who anticipated a more closely contested field this year. Team principal Christian Horner believes that the Bahrain race did not provide a clear picture as different tyre strategies were in play. Despite Horner’s view, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff sees Verstappen’s performance as extraordinary and predicts a dominant season for Red Bull. However, Horner remains cautious, recognizing that the field may become more competitive as the season progresses. In summary, while Red Bull’s strong start is acknowledged, the true extent of their advantage remains uncertain in the long and varied season ahead.
