Cs98 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2025, 09:35
euv2 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2025, 09:27
The MCL(Piastri) was probably only 0.100 or so faster than Max in the race but Lando definitely didn't have the pace to get into Max's DRS range whereas Piastri was leaving in Lando's DRS range for the 2nd stint of the race, showing that it was clearly possible to follow close just not enough to overtake.
This race was a huge improvement overall by RBR both in qualy and race pace, we'll see if they have finally understood the car and the setup a bit better in the next 2 races.
The difference is Lando wasn't driving in clean air, so it was probably easier for Oscar to close on him than it was for Lando to close on Max.
Oscar was driving in the dirty air of 2 cars. There's no reason that it would have been easier for him than it would have been for Norris. Oscar was definitely the faster Mclaren today. Norris was also able to bring the gap down from 2 seconds to 1.1 a few times before he hit the dirty air wall. That Oscar could break into the DRS of Norris just shows how much pace Oscar had in excess compared to Norris.
It's difficult because Russell was stuck behind Leclerc for the entire race, my feeling is that Mclaren had 2-3 tenths. Oscar closer to 3 tenths. Considering the pace overlap with the Ferrari and Russell's inability to pas the Ferrari, I don't think Mercedes had the pace of the Mclaren so they were closer to Max as well. It's tight between Red Bull and Mercedes on pure performance.
It doesn't turn.