Red Bull ahead? Merc struggling? | Brundle, Ant on F1's new pecking order

Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle and Anthony Davidson believe Red Bull have pulled clear of Ferrari as favourites to start the 2022 Formula 1 season.

Ferrari have impressed throughout winter testing, but it was Red Bull who shone on the final day in Bahrain as Max Verstappen set the fastest time of the week in the updated RB18.

In contrast, Mercedes' performance was puzzling, with Lewis Hamilton suggesting that his team are genuinely trailing their rivals and that anyone who thinks they are sandbagging is in for a "surprise".

Discussing how they see the grid going into next weekend's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, which is live on Sky Sports F1, Brundle and Davidson largely agreed on a pecking order.

Ferrari had been the paddock's sweethearts for much of the Bahrain test, but Red Bull's upgraded car wasn't just innovative, the new sidepod design also translated to fast times on the track with Sergio Perez topping the morning session before Verstappen outpaced Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.7s in the evening.

Red Bull are adamant that the "times are irrelevant", but Brundle and Davidson were suitably impressed.

"I have absolutely no doubts in my mind that the aero package on the Red Bull took a significant step forward today," said Brundle.

"Red Bull have moved the game on today in terms of raw pace, long run pace."

Davidson agreed that Red Bull were now the early-season favourites, adding: "They found something with the ride of the car and it looks very good."

That's not to say Ferrari are out of the mix, though. The Scuderia have been the most consistent team throughout testing and - while team boss Mattia Binotto is playing down their chances - most others in the paddock believe they are genuine contenders for