Over the long run Mclaren looked about .5 second quicker than everyone. Even Max can’t overturn that deficit.
Well, until Stroll torpedos half the field into T1 and gifts the win to whoever.
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In testing, in a different track, in different track conditions. Until Q3 all we can make is assumptions.
I still think McLaren will be fastest but not by that much. Then Ferrari, RBR and Mercedes.
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Heading to the track in a couple of hours for Practice 1. Just general admission for me and one of my sons. The daughter has a ticket to the Paddock - lucky thing, but she tells me she’s working.
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I think it will be real close at the top. My prediction Lando, Max and Leclerc top three. Although with rain forecast anything could happen 
Got the Mercedes stuff stashed in the back of the closet and the fresh Ferrari gear on waiting for practice tonight.
I’m hopeful we see Lewis have one last triumph this year…but like everyone here that’s watched any of the pre-season stuff I think the whole grid has their work cut out for them to catch McLaren.
Aside from Lewis in red, I’m excited to see what Kimi can do at Mercedes. I’d love nothing more than to wee Max struggle but there’s no way you can count him out.
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Blimey Tom, you got the ins! Awesome:)
Gonna make a bold predication.
No wins for RBR this season.
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I like where your head is at Alan, but RBR still executes their race days well enough to have them punch above their weight. Even if they truly are the 4th best car that still puts them in the mix for a win with good strategy, great execution, and a little luck.
I think McLaren have the best car to start the season, but not by as far as testing made everyone think. My real hope for this season is that the top 4 teams are close enough that qualifying comes down to which driver can get their tires in the right window and put together their lap the best. That would give us plenty of action to watch.
It’s just a prediction. But when you have a big rule change, as we have in 2026, and your car isn’t competitive early on, you have to switch to the next year’s car asap. With the mid-season flexy-wing technical directive coming into play (which is weird), it may be worth sticking at it though. But I am not privy to all the inner workings and infrastructure of these teams so who knows.
That Red Bull does look pretty difficult to wrangle. Max is sliding all over and Liam is just not that fast with it.
After the last 4 years, counting RBR off entirely is a very bold prediction. I like it!
Bro is going to predict Sainz WDC because of the FP1 
(Would be great tho)
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I’m Times New Roman BOLD
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I predict 2 wins for Hamilton, though he’ll be outqualified generally by LeClerc.
McLaren exhibiting upper edge most of the season, but occasionally hampered by strategy mis-steps.
RBR showing moments of brilliance coupled with moments of overdriving trying to keep pace.
Midpack and back: as usual.
Stroll made to look good by crashing rookies.
Dark Horse: Bearman in the points by midseason.
If Bearman doesn’t rebound it’s over.
In hindsight maybe the Brazil race was a sign.
When the Williams is setup, it is faaaast. Albon P2 on the hard tire right now!
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Max appears to have sorted the setup on the Red Bull over one lap at least…