Pierre Gasly says Mercedes have a lot of work to do to fight for race wins

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly says that it looks as though Mercedes do indeed have work to do in order to be race-winning competitors at the start of the new Formula 1 season.

The new season is almost here with the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place this weekend and it looks as though Red Bull and Ferrari are currently the two teams being touted as early favourites from the off.

Indeed, Mercedes have been playing down their chances over winter testing in saying that they feel as though they still have some work to do before they too will challenge for race victories.

Of course, we have seen such lines from the Silver Arrows before and the likes of Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen have suggested it’s the regular smoke and mirrors before Mercedes race to victory but, conversely, Pierre Gasly seems to feel the 8-time Constructors’ champions do actually have work to do.

The French driver spent a bit of time dicing it with Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain test on track, with them closely following one another in a good nod towards the new regulations working as they are intended.

Gasly said he was pleased with that, but also noted handling issues for Hamilton in his W13:

“I didn’t think I’d be able to fight with Lewis like that,” Gasly said.

“It is much easier to cling to an opponent now. That makes me very optimistic for the coming season.”

Pierre also felt that Hamilton was having “big problems” with the handling of his car and went on to say:

“That was clear to see.

“I guess Mercedes still have a lot of work to do if they want to fight for victories.”

Of course, no-one will be writing off Mercedes just yet, especially with their track record and a very long season ahead with time to make up ground but, even so, it does appear