Ralf Schumacher plays down Ferrari expectations ahead of new F1 season

Speaking to Speedweek, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has said that he is unsure whether Ferrari are as big favourites as some are suggesting after winter testing, ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.

The new F1 season is here and practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway on Friday, with qualifying on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday – 3pm UK time.

There’s a real sense of intrigue around this season, too, as no-one really knows the pecking order given the new rules and regulations that have been swept in.

However, there’s always opportunity for speculation in Formula 1 and given winter testing saw Ferrari look strong and reliable, as far as we could tell, there has been a suggestion that the Scuderia will be challenging for race victories and maybe even the championship in 2022

Schumacher, though, has offered up a note of caution and has suggested that Red Bull and Mercedes could remain the teams to beat for now at least:

“I definitely think they have made a step forward, but will that be enough for the top? I’m not so sure.

“Especially since Ferrari tends to reach the performance limit earlier than other teams. We often saw that in the Friday practice sessions last year. I would like Ferrari to be at the front, because that’s important for Formula 1 worldwide.

“Of course, Mercedes is not as far behind as the Bahrain timesheet makes it seem. I’m sure there’s still something to come.

“But we also have to remember that Bahrain has not necessarily been Ferrari’s patch in recent years. Mercedes has its own concept here.

“It’s designed to work well on most tracks. The bottom line will be Mercedes versus Red Bull Racing again.”

For the neutral, it would be great to see the red of the Prancing