@Doka :
Yes, will all be interesting stuff but a 3 way fight for the title would be bad for Merc splitting the points. We might get to see Russel with less to lose making some Max like banzai moves on Max though . Will Russel make Lewis look average as suggested above, I doubt it but look forward to finding out. Norris could be in the running too if they can make a step with the car & benefit from the new rules. Ferrari are likely to be in the mix too next year, both great drivers.
Big reset next year in theory. RB and Merc could be on the back foot if they extended themselves too much this year, but you have to assume they know what they are doing. Ferrari could have stolen a march if they wrote off this year early, Mclaren too.
Then there is the minnow finding a loop hole like Brawn did. Although with Haas, Aston and Williams buying so much kit off the big guys, not much scope to innovate.
As for drivers. Sainz seems to be underrated to me. Never blown away by any of his team mates, Verstappen, Norris and Leclerc included. If the Merc starts the year off the pace then I can see Russel struggling.
I agree, bear in mind the huge shift that occurred the last time there was a comprehensive rule change.
Red Bull immediately went from top of the pile to a distant second, I actually genuinely hope we see something similar; ideally much more closely matched cars. In reality though one or two teams will emerge on top.
Looks like Williams may already be on the back foot, shame.
I’m sure I heard Mercedes had stopped work on this year’s car to focus all resources on next year’s, hence why the Red Bull was more competitive.
However they could have backtracked on that when it was closer than they’d anticipated and pulled resources back to the current car.
It’s all a big unknown as to who has got their design philosophy right for the start of the new regs. We have seen that
Ferrari got it wrong from the start and have never been able to make up the difference, they’ll be hoping that they haven’t made the same mistake
Merc have an amazing team and lots of money pulling this together. I’d be surprised if they fall back much but it should close the gap a little.
Mclaren very interested to see where they end up
Red Bull good aero designers and have been engine limited previously. That difference is gone so I expect to see them at the front because the new regs are primarily around aero and ground floor
Alpine, French, so who knows really
Others too many to bother listing the mid-field has been incredibly close all year and wish they’d spent more time showing their fights.
Not mentioning Aston Martin, probably too early for them next year but they have set a huge ball rolling meaning business with big $. Massive new factory, wind tunnel & poaching the top aero guys from Red Bull & Merc.
. Will Russel make Lewis look average as suggested above, I doubt it but look forward to finding out. Norris could be in the running too if they can make a step with the car & benefit from the new rules. Ferrari are likely to be in the mix too next year, both great drivers.