(Motorsport-Total.com) – The discussions about the “pink Mercedes” do not come to rest. Carlos Sainz of the rival McLaren team believes that Racing Level did not show its true potential in Formula 1 test drives at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The new RP 20 has radically moved away from its predecessor. The aerodynamic concept is strongly reminiscent of the Mercedes W 10, the 2019 won the Formula 1 World Championship. A development that other teams have already classified as “worrying” .
Of course, different fuel loads and tire mixtures make it impossible to understand the true balance of power. But Carlos Sainz, whose McLaren team was the first on the Racing Level menu, believes that the rival team in pink has not shown its full potential after a few strong rounds at the start.
Equal to 1: 17 .3 and then nothing more
“I think every team set a strong lap time at some point during the test drives, so it's hard to say who is in front of or behind the midfield, “says the 25 year old. “Racing level and even AlphaTauri are the ones to beat in my opinion.”
“We currently have no clear picture how far behind the top 3. But we will see it very quickly in the training sessions in Melbourne if we drive with approximately the same fuel load. “
” Racing level battle very strong in both weeks. You immediately went on the track and got a 1: 17. 3 After that they didn't improve anymore. I think because they didn't want that anymore. But these 17. 3 at the first brand united states i believe everyone was impressed and united s tates was clear that they would be very fast. “
The Mercedes copy caused heated discussions and could even be a Draw Affirm . Sainz 'team-mate Lando Norris on the subject: “If you look at the pictures, he looks exactly the same. But I don't know, that's exactly what is going on. I'm not an expert and I don't know the rules either. But from the judge's point of view look the same. You will already know that is allowed. “
Satisfied with McLaren progress
McLaren was able to place in the season 2019 Lift four out of the middle field in the designer ranking. But the son of rally legend Carlos Sainz sen. expects the fight behind the top teams 2020 to become even closer.
“We put a lot of downforce on the vehicle and are happier than twelve months ago. The car feels much better – especially in sectors 1 and 2 in Barcelona we have a good balance. The last sector seems to be a bit our weak point We have to work on it as a team. “
Again on the topic Racing Level : “It is not up to McLaren if a pink or white car suddenly appears and is half a second away from the leaders. If they suddenly found a second, we cannot control it. We have to take our steps. “
But you can't be sure anyway:” I think there were still differences between the teams in terms of fuel quantity and engine programs, we have to take that into account. We can not too many setbacks draw feet and should focus united states on united states itself. And I think we did a good job of improving our performance in different sectors.
“You have to keep in mind that ten kilograms are worth three to four tenths of a second. It's moreover impossible to draw conclusions, after all three tenths in the middle of the field can make the difference between P7 and P 17. Who has moreover three last tenths in the quiver? And who has already called them up? Nobody can say that. “
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