Mercedes and Red Bull into the unknown.
Rare fact to be underlined, the two flagship teams of the decade will lack benchmarks when it comes time to dive into the next two Formula 1 Grand Prix, in Doha (Qatar) this Sunday (3 p.m.) then in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in two weeks (December 5), two new routes.
An anomaly for these
control freaks
.
But a godsend for the already exciting F1 soap opera, which will deliver its verdict in three weeks in Abu Dhabi.
Because three races from the end, and with still 75 points at most to distribute, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are held in 14 small points since the Briton's coup in Sao Paulo last Sunday.
To discover
Formula 1: manufacturer ranking
Formula 1: drivers ranking
For the first time in history, therefore, the Formula 1 paddock will take over the Losail international circuit, on the edge of Doha.
A Grand Prix of Qatar which will then return in 2023, and for ten years.
A track that remains known to motorsport enthusiasts, since it has hosted the first round of the MotoGP season since 2007.
5.418 kilometers long, the circuit was inaugurated in 2004, already for motorcycles, which were able to discover a long straight finish line overhung by a total of 16 turns, mostly fast while others, tighter, will invite the drivers to reduce speed.
Advantage… Sergio Perez?
The main action should focus on the straight line, just over a kilometer long, where the majority of overtaking should take place, especially since it will concern the only DRS zone (flap mounted on the rear wing which opens to gain top speed).
Sanctioned at Interlagos for non-regulatory use of the DRS ... for 0.2 mm, Mercedes should have learned the lesson to maximize its chances in the race, especially as the W12 appeared much more dashing than the RB16B of Red Bull on a Brazilian track where the latter was announced above the fray.
To read alsoFormula 1: against all odds, "King Lewis" clings masterfully to his crown
This time, no team is advancing as a favorite, for lack of benchmarks.
Except maybe for a pilot: Sergio Perez.
Winner of the Qatar GP of GP2 in 2009, the Mexican from Red Bull thus has a slight advantage over the competition.
Finally ... very light: "
I don't remember so well having run there, it was so long ago so I don't think I have that much advantage
", refutes the Mexican.
The fourth in the championship nevertheless reveals a few tracks, the memory refreshed by the chained laps on the simulator.
"
It is a very fast track
where the downforce will be essential, we will see how fast we can be
", warns the person concerned, who "
hopes to give Mercedes a hard time
".
First indications with free practice
Here is the world champion team warned.
Triumphant against all odds this Sunday, Mercedes, however, advances with confidence reassured by the events of Interlagos.
A lighter mind when it comes to taking part in the antepenultimate weekend of the year.
Especially since the pace of Hamilton and Bottas in Brazil gives reason to hope when it comes to tackling this fast track designed for MotoGP.
However, prudence is the mother of safety. "
It's a leap into the unknown for everyone
," recalls the German team on its website.
We can't rely on past data at Losail, so we have to focus on working on the simulator. The preparation of the event takes place in the virtual world
. ” Not enough to delight its seven-time world pilot champion Lewis Hamilton, who has little taste for the exercise of the simulator. Opposite, his rival Verstappen, hardly a follower of the “track walk”, recognized the Losail International Circuit on foot. Proof if necessary of the urgency of the situation.
One thing is certain, the first free practice on Friday (11:30 am) will give a first idea of the strengths and weaknesses of everyone in Qatar.
“
The team has very little information on the characteristics of the track,”
continues Mercedes.
We will have to collect data during the free practice sessions to build our knowledge of the track as quickly as possible
. ”
Three races from the verdict, time is already running out.