2023 - Race 1 Bahrain

[Nitrodaze]

It is frustrating at Ferrari at the moment as Leclerc bows out of Q3 before the end. Gremlin in the Ferrari showing up. All signs suggest that Redbull shall run away with the 2023 double titles with ease; reliability allowing of course. It is clear the F1M has got the regulations wrong as it is failing to deliver on its promise of closer racing. The race tomorrow shall be the usual procession with Redbull racing off into the distance.

[F1nKS]

It is clear the F1M has got the regulations wrong as it is failing to deliver on its promise of closer racing.

Data presents a different picture. If you look at the Bahrain gap times between the Top 10 qualifying, you see that things have gotten tighter.

Here are results for Q3 Gap times from pole position.

2021 (2023)
2. - 0.4 sec (0.1 sec)
3. - 0.6 sec (0.3 sec)
4. - 0.7 sec (0.4 sec)
5. - 0.8 sec (0.6 sec)
6. - 0.9 sec (0.6 sec)
7. - 1.0 sec (0.7 sec)
8. - 1.2 sec (1.1 sec)
9. - 1.3 sec (1.3 (sec)

That works out about 24% improvement in gap times for all of Q3. Position 1-6 gap times were improved by 37%.

If you look at Q1, there is very significant improvement in position 11 thru 20. In 2021, these positions average 1.5 seconds behind the No. 1 position. In 2023, they average dropped to 0.8 seconds behind. Number 20th, went from 2.2 seconds behind to 1.2 seconds behind.

Anecdotally, I also think there is closer racing (based on 2022 results), but it was more seen in the mid-field than in the front of the grid. This was because it looks like RBR nailed it, while Ferrari was close, but their reliability, strategy, and tire wear held them back. Mercedes screwed their design up (and still have not figured it out).

[Nitrodaze]

Data presents a different picture. If you look at the Bahrain gap times between the Top 10 qualifying, you see that things have gotten tighter.

Here are results for Q3 Gap times from pole position.

2021 (2023)
2. - 0.4 sec (0.1 sec)
3. - 0.6 sec (0.3 sec)
4. - 0.7 sec (0.4 sec)
5. - 0.8 sec (0.6 sec)
6. - 0.9 sec (0.6 sec)
7. - 1.0 sec (0.7 sec)
8. - 1.2 sec (1.1 sec)
9. - 1.3 sec (1.3 (sec)

That works out about 24% improvement in gap times for all of Q3. Position 1-6 gap times were improved by 37%.

If you look at Q1, there is very significant improvement in position 11 thru 20. In 2021, these positions average 1.5 seconds behind the No. 1 position. In 2023, they average dropped to 0.8 seconds behind. Number 20th, went from 2.2 seconds behind to 1.2 seconds behind.

Anecdotally, I also think there is closer racing (based on 2022 results), but it was more seen in the mid-field than in the front of the grid. This was because it looks like RBR nailed it, while Ferrari was close, but their reliability, strategy, and tire wear held them back. Mercedes screwed their design up (and still have not figured it out).

Unfortunately, you are comparing 2021 times with 2023 times, of course, you would see massive improvements. Besides, it is race times that really matter here. And Verstappen would rocket off from the lines leaving the Ferraris to battle with Alonso in the Aston. I predict that the race winner would be at least 30 seconds ahead at the end of the race which would essentially prove my point.

[F1nKS]

Unfortunately, you are comparing 2021 times with 2023 times, of course, you would see massive improvements.

Nope, I am comparing gap times between drivers. Which is what the rules were meant to do which is narrow the gap. In Q1 all the announcers were remarking how from the top to bottom that gap was almost second.

Besides, it is race times that really matter here.

The observations from people in f1, the drivers and all the media pundits that "following" is much easier and there was some great battles last year during the races that would not have occured prior to the rule changes. We also saw it today with Alonso. His tire pre-rule change would have been eaten up, but he was able to fight with Hamilton and Sainz, lap after lap. Pre-rule change you had one lap to get past, or you tires would be ruined.

2021 Bahrain - 75 overtakes
2022 Bahrain - 131 overtakes

And Verstappen would rocket off from the lines leaving the Ferraris to battle with Alonso in the Aston.

Has nothing to do with the rules. RBR nailed their design, and Max is just a special driver. Mercedes continues double down on failed design. Aston Martin and Alonso are closing the gap.

[Nitrodaze]

Nope, I am comparing gap times between drivers. Which is what the rules were meant to do which is narrow the gap. In Q1 all the announcers were remarking how from the top to bottom that gap was almost second.



The observations from people in f1, the drivers and all the media pundits that "following" is much easier and there was some great battles last year during the races that would not have occured prior to the rule changes. We also saw it today with Alonso. His tire pre-rule change would have been eaten up, but he was able to fight with Hamilton and Sainz, lap after lap. Pre-rule change you had one lap to get past, or you tires would be ruined.

2021 Bahrain - 75 overtakes
2022 Bahrain - 131 overtakes




Has nothing to do with the rules. RBR nailed their design, and Max is just a special driver. Mercedes continues double down on failed design. Aston Martin and Alonso are closing the gap.

Sorry you are missing the point and statistics is just numbers.

[F1nKS]

Sorry you are missing the point and statistics is just numbers.

And you are poster child for the Dunning-Kruger effect.

[Nitrodaze]

And you are poster child for the Dunning-Kruger effect.

As usual, like a petulant child, you result to insults