Chris Medland tips Mercedes as closest Red Bull challengers

2022 United States Grand Prix Tyre Performance Analysis - Podium
2022 United States Grand Prix Tyre Performance Analysis - Podium

Formula 1 journalist Chris Medland has backed Mercedes to be the team that runs Red Bull closest in 2023.

Speaking to Tom Horrox on F1Chronicle’s most recent F1 Firesides episode, Medland said: “I think we saw with Mercedes progress, that they’re starting to understand where it went wrong last year, they’re learning how to get more out of their car and I think they will be much closer this coming season.”

Medland added that he didn’t expect it to be easy for Mercedes to make up the ground for Red Bull, saying: “Because of where they are starting from, and because of this new era of restrictions, it won’t be so easy for them to jump miles clear of anyone.”

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has also spoken about how tough Red Bull will be to catch in 2023.

Red Bull, who have a reduced amount of aerodynamic testing allowance after exceeding the 2021 cost-cap, will be “there, or thereabouts” according to Medland.

However, the racer.com writer was unconvinced about Ferrari, who were the strongest opponent to Red Bull’s dominance in 2022.

“I still always struggle to have faith in Ferrari to produce consistently,” Medland stated, continuing with: “They had such a good platform last year, they still have it to build on for this year, hopefully, they have done a good job on that front, but I always have to wait for pre-season testing to feel that.”

Ferrari opened 2022 with wins in two of the first three races and only missed out narrowly in the second race in Saudi Arabia, but a chain of errors from both the team and drivers quickly derailed what was a promising title bid.

Despite the reservations about Ferrari, Medland said he remained hopeful of a three-way title battle in 2023, saying: “I am genuinely even more hopeful this that we get a multiple-team fight for the title and that it should go a long way into the year.

Away from the fight at the front, Medland reckons the midfield is going to be even more competitive this season.

“They all were fairly closely matched last season. They can’t wipe the slate clean over the winter, they just have to improve on their weaknesses, which should hopefully close them up a bit.”

Medland tipped Alpine to remain at the front of the midfield but said the gap between the top three teams and the rest is unlikely to reduce significantly.

YouTube video
Advertisement

Want to save this information for later?

More in News

Max Verstappen

Why Max Verstappen Deserves Even Mercedes’ Respect?

Why Max Verstappen deserves some respect, at the very least, ...
How Much Does The Winner Of F1 Get Paid

How Much Does The Winner Of F1 Get Paid?

When it comes to the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled world of Formula ...
Abu Dhabi Test Wraps Up 2023 F1 Season

Abu Dhabi Test Wraps Up 2023 F1 Season

With the world championship drawing to a close last Sunday, ...
F1 Standings 2023 - Driver's Championship

F1 Standings 2023

F1 Standings 2023 - Driver's Championship: The 2023 Formula 1 ...
Why Can't F1 Teams Use Old Cars

Why Can’t F1 Teams Use Old Cars?

Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, showcases an ongoing evolution ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle