After the break, Formula One is finally ready to come back. It stops, after a couple of years of stop, in Australia. On the new Melbourne which can offer some pitfalls or even confirm the expectations of what was seen in Bahrain and Jeddah. We discussed this and much more exclusively with Matteo Bobbi, former driver and current commentator for Sky Sport F1. Here are his statements:
Matteo, did you expect to see Red Bull and Ferrari so close at the start of the season?
“After the tests, honestly…yes. For now, in fact, we are facing the two cars that had emerged somewhat from Bahrain, even if we knew we were taking those data with a grain of salt. But yes, at the moment they are the two cars that manage to have the most performance. I had identified Red Bull as the first force and Ferrari as the second and, even if the first races say the opposite, I think that in the end Red Bull will be able to get ahead and show its potential which, due to some situations, has not yet succeeded to express".
What do you think of the Leclerc-Verstappen fight and how much do you see them matured in this new season?
“I see them both very matured on the ability to manage the race. Watch out though: we're only at the start of the championship and if we continue like this, I don't exclude that we could relive the Hamilton-Verstappen situation from last season. It's obvious that you play fairly clean in the second race of the year; they are both motivated even if all the drivers who race in Formula One are: from the first to the last, otherwise you'd stay at home”.
Coming to the new regulations: which car amazed you the most on a technical level?
“There isn't one in particular. Of all of them, however, I would say Mercedes, because they have done something very extreme, even more than the others. Ferrari amazed me, as well as Red Bull. They are the three top teams that have done something more than the others, even if there isn't much technical convergence this year. Each team has chosen a different solution, which however gives a great show on the track".
So many different concepts and projects, but very similar cars. Is it the success of Formula One?
“It's a great Formula One victory. It's a huge success for Stefano Domenicali and all his coaching staff. They wanted this change: giving rise to a new era in Formula One is always very risky and instead they achieved all their objectives. They managed to modify a grid that had been standing still for 7 years, they created more show, they practically closed the gap between the first and the last. We are talking about an incredible victory, after all Formula One is experiencing a magical moment: for ratings, fans around the world and for the great passion that grows in young people. In fact, I'll give you a fact: every circuit on the calendar is already sold out".
Let's come to the sprint race: always a very hot topic, do you like it?
“I've never been against it… but not too much of a fan either! However, when there was the sprint race I always had fun. Many have criticized it a lot, while I tell you: if you do it in three, maximum four grands prix, it's fine. So I wouldn't do it all the time, but it's something different that can potentially change the grid and also give the fans the opportunity to see one more start, which is always spectacular”.
Returning to the track, do you think Mercedes will return? And how much does the phenomenon of porpoising affect their development?
“Mercedes' problems are 95% from porpoising. Obviously they are focusing on that. Maybe they'll bring something to Melbourne, otherwise we'll wait for Imola or Barcelona. However, telling you if they will solve the problem is difficult, also because they don't know it either. Without a doubt they are working and if they fix that problem they will undoubtedly be in the game.”
In addition to Hamilton, do you include Russell as well?
"Certain. Russell, in terms of performance, proved to be very similar to Hamilton who had a very difficult weekend in Jeddah, even if there's nothing to worry about. The difference between the two of them is very small, so if Hamilton returns, Russell will also fit in."
Let's talk a bit about being a driver, take us inside your head: how much rivalry do you feel, and did you feel, with your teammate?
“It's the hottest thing there is. For a driver the first person you want to beat is your teammate. He's the only person who drives with the same material as you, therefore the only one who has the same potential as you, that's why he's your worst enemy. But this is at the heart of motorsport, not just in Formula One. There may be better or worse relationships between teammates, but rest assured that when you have a competitive car to win, I've never seen good relationships."
How many chances do you think a youngster has to get to Formula One?
“The possibilities are always limited. There are twenty riders on the grid today, of which at least fifteen are untouchable. It is evident that it is very complicated. There are also so many characteristics that you must possess: you must be talented, have collected incredible results and you must have someone's support to be in the right place at the right time”.
What are your sensations about Melbourne and the great Race week ready to live with Sky? We practically won't get off the couch!
“It will be a fantastic weekend, all to follow and not to be missed. In fact, in addition to Formula One and Moto GP, there will also be SBK in Spain, Indycar and Formula E, all live! A really rich program. In fact, we're talking about a busy weekend, because we'll be working at night with Formula One, but the show will certainly not fail. As far as Melbourne is concerned, I expect a Formula One weekend on the continuation of the first two races, so without a doubt we will see a good fight and a lot of entertainment."
