Mercedes magic and Ferrari’s rapid starts: what we learned from F1 testing

George Russell guides his Mercedes around the Bahrain International Circuit during testing. Photograph: Motorsport Photography F1/Shutterstock

Mercedes on the march

The big four – Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren – have been at pains throughout testing to claim they are not the top dog, in something of an inverse Mexican standoff, each decrying their own strengths. Undeniably, however, Mercedes emerge from the three pre-season tests looking strong.