Mercedes believes its straight-line speed deficit to Ferrari and Red Bull in Bahrain was due to differences in drag levels between their cars.
While the team’s cars finished third and fourth in Bahrain, aided by the late retirements of both Red Bulls, the Mercedes engine customers suffered a tough start to the season. The six cars of Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams were the last to cross the line in the grand prix.
That prompted speculation the performance of Mercedes’ engine has fallen behind F1’s manufacturers. Lewis Hamilton admitted after the race he had concerns about their rivals’ top speed advantage after finishing behind the Ferrari drivers on Sunday.
“We’ve learned a lot from this week,” he said. “Their straight-line speed, as well as the Bulls were very quick in a straight line, and their performance through corners is quite a bit different to us.”
However team principal Toto Wolff indicated the difference in straight-line speed could be down to the…