Formula 1: Mercedes vs Red Bull – The 2022 Formula 1 season saw new sets of regulations in the sport after 40 years, and the new ground effect cars came into existence. It was a challenge for the teams to master the new regulations. Ferrari so far this season has mastered their 2022 car, but Mercedes have issues related to Porpoising and Red Bull faces reliability issues. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
The season opener, Bahrain Grand Prix saw Red Bull and Mercedes face problems with their cars. Both the Red Bull drivers had to retire their cars in the latter part of the race due to a fuel pump issue. This, however, played in the hands of Mercedes as Hamilton finished the race in the third position followed by his teammate Russell in fourth.
Formula 1: Mercedes vs Red Bull, The Battle of the giants sees Mercedes having a slight edge while Ferrari dominates proceedings – Check Out
Verstappen was looking for a comfortable P2 finish with Perez in P3. But, their fuel pump issue ruined their party. Mercedes left Bahrain with a smile on their face and took 27 points back to their base.
In the second race of the season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw Red Bull coming out all guns blazing. Max Verstappen won the race after a duel with Charles Leclerc and Perez finished fourth. George Russell finished in the fifth place and Hamilton settled for a tenth place finish.
This time Red Bull were going back with a smile on their face and taking 37 points from the race. But, the problems for both the teams were still not solved. Mercedes faces a big problem in Porpoising and Red Bull have its own reliability issues.
In the third race of the season, Australian Grand Prix saw Perez finish the race in second place. Russell managed to finish the race in third followed by Hamilton in the fourth spot. Verstappen, who looked comfortable for another P2 finish had to retire after a fuel leak. This again played into the hands of Mercedes and they went home with 27 important points.
Formula 1: Max Verstappen had to retire from the Australian Grand Prix due to a fuel leak.Heartbreak for Max Verstappen in Australia 💔
An podium opportunity missed for the Dutchman after a strong showing ended prematurely with a car problem 😫#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/DXeOAe1r4X
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 10, 2022
Hamilton is fifth in the Drivers standings with 28 points to his name. Verstappen is behind him in sixth with 25 points to his name. The Dutch driver has lost 38 points so far this season, which could prove to be important in his case for defending his title.
Formula 1: Mercedes vs Red Bull, The Battle of the giants sees Mercedes having a slight edge while Ferrari dominates proceedings – Check Out
Mercedes is second in the Constructors standings with 65 points followed by Red Bull in third with 55 points. Red Bull faces their own reliability issues and they themselves are to blame for its problems. Three races and two retirements for Verstappen are not going to help his cause.
A reminder of our standings after three races in 2022!
Any stand-out surprises for you? 👀#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/akLoGpoPVA
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 11, 2022
Whereas, Mercedes face Porpoising and they still haven’t found a clue to cure this problem. The up-gradation for their W13 challenger is halted just because of the Porpoising issue.
If both the teams don’t get on top of their problems, then Ferrari will easily take both Drivers and Constructors titles this year. They are looking like the team to beat so far this season.
The next race will take place in Italy. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will start on 22nd April and the race is scheduled for 24th April.
Formula 1: Mercedes vs Red Bull, The Battle of the giants sees Mercedes having a slight edge while Ferrari dominates proceedings – Check Out