The first four races of the season have shown Ferrari are on the up and proved Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have work to do
Barcelona beckons as Formula One prepares to begin the European season proper, with the teams having 10 days to reflect on the four opening races and prepare for the upgrades that will be unveiled in Spain. The new regulations have thrown up a tense and gripping, rather than spectacular, prologue and the racing has been better than many feared, while there is an absolutely cracking battle at the front in prospect. Time then, to consider where the leading drivers and their teams stand before returning to the fray at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Ferrari’s resurgence has proved the perfect fillip for F1 and Sebastian Vettel. The German has been in fine fettle and it is not just because he has the championship lead. Vettel is more relaxed and happier than he has been since joining the team in 2015. Last season’s frustration and his sometimes fractious relationship with Ferrari has gone and his driving reflects this. He has huge confidence in the car and in a team that is now making the right calls from the pit wall. Two wins from four put him on the front foot going into Europe.
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