F1 | Lauda reveals: “Mercedes ahead of Red Bull by just two tenths”

In an interview with the Kronen Zeitung newspaper, Niki Lauda spoke about the Mercedes performance during the latest pre-season tests in Barcelona, revealing how the W09 EQ-Power+ has an advantage over Red Bull of close to two tenths. According to the non-executive director of Stuttgart, Hamilton and Bottas did a great job in Spain, pushing the new car towards the limit. The World Champions, in fact, had no plans to use "hypersoft" rubber, rather they aimed to complete mileage to verify reliability. On the values ​​at stake, however, Lauda believes that Red Bull is the closest team, with Ferrari still having to resolve some small issues on the SF71H.

Here are the words of Niki Lauda: “The use of hypersoft rubber was not an integral part of our program during testing. Our goal was to verify the reliability of the car, trying to push the car over the limit as many revs as possible. There are only three engines during the season and it will be important not to be caught unprepared. Our preparation was superior to that of recent years, which is why we can go to Australia with confidence. However, Ferrari and Red Bull will be at a similar level."

“I'm not a bookmaker and I couldn't tell you anything for sure - he added - but at the moment I see Red Bull as closer. In my opinion they are only two tenths behind us. Ferrari will be a strong team, but it still needs to solve some small problems. I'm behind Red Bull. Obviously I have no idea of ​​their real potential, but the three top teams will be quite close."

Roberto Valenti