Raging favorites Purple Bull say it is folly to label the Formulation One season a glorified motorcade for his or her red-hot workforce.
After banking one-two finishes within the opening two races, Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are eyeing the same feat on the Australian grand prix.
Reigning world champion Verstappen clocked the quickest lap time in Friday’s observe periods in Melbourne to substantiate his favoritism at Albert Park.
However forward of one other observe session, adopted by qualifying, on Saturday, Purple Bull’s workforce principal Christian Horner is sounding a warning.
“We’ve acquired an important automotive,” he stated.
“It is a unbelievable start line to the season for us and to realize two one-two finishes within the first two races is greater than we might have ever anticipated.
“However we’re aware that it is a very lengthy season, there’s nonetheless 21 races to go.
“And we’re aware that huge updates are coming from others in coming weeks as we head again to Europe.
“So there’s nonetheless lots to do and an awfully lengthy solution to go. … I’ve all the time stated it will take three or 4 races to get an actual sample as to what’s the precise form-book for the season. “
Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri additionally has some solution to go earlier than his McLaren can compete with the elite.
Piastri, making his home-town debut, was 12th quickest of the 20 drivers in Friday’s opening observe and 14th quickest in a moist second session.
However the 21-year-old was thrilled to be on monitor at Albert Park, which is only a 10-minute drive from his household dwelling.
“Very, very particular, clearly, to be right here at dwelling,” he stated.
Piastri had by no means raced on the circuit earlier than Friday.
“It is a good monitor – the partitions are a bit nearer than they appear on TV,” he stated.
Piastri stated it was “laborious to get a learn” on Friday’s outcomes given the moist climate within the second session – extra rain is anticipated on a Saturday when most temperatures are forecast to be simply 16 levels.
“Typical Melbourne,” he stated.
