I don't think the RB is a superior car this year. I think it's faster in the twisty stuff, but down on power vs the Merc. And it's close enough that at some tracks it can challenge.

Max has matured a lot. Lewis did the same as a younger driver. Now that Max doesn't see red mist constantly, he is capable of challenging in an equal car IMHO, and even when the hand goes to Merc he can stay in touch enough to jump if anyone ahead makes big mistakes.

But I think through the season Merc will be back on form. It's just been some luck and tracks that better suit the RB, and in reality bad luck has probably kept RB from gaining more points while Merc was struggling some. I think RB will likely regret that as the year goes on, unless luck plays more into things for one of the two teams.