27 February 2023 , 21:16
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Martin Brundle shared an opposing view to Sky Sports F1 colleague Ted Kravitz as he declared it is "too much to ask" for Aston Martin to beat Mercedes this year.
While the true balance of power on the grid this year is yet to become truly apparent, some conclusions are beginning to form. Pre-season testing last week gave fans and pundits alike the opportunity to form opinions about which teams might be competitive in 2023.
The general consensus appears to be that Aston Martin may finally live up to their ambitions this year. They have long talked about their desire to trouble the 'big three' and one day challenge for race wins and titles, but had produced few results which backed up those claims.
Testing, though, offered evidence that they might make a significant step this year. Their practice long runs were particularly eye-catching with new driver Fernando Alonso showing terrific pace, and now Aston Martin are being pegged as serious contenders in the race for fourth place.
Some have gone even further. Kravitz feels they may well start the year ahead of Mercedes, giving them a potential platform from which Aston Martin could mount a challenge for a top three finish. "I've got them third and potentially even closer to Ferrari than that," he said after the conclusion of testing.
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"That's to do with Fernando Alonso's race run. Aston Martin have Red Bull worried from day one, Adrian Newey [Red Bull's technology chief] mentioned them in the teams that he's concerned about. The car is essentially good and has some nice ideas."
Ted Kravitz believes Aston Martin could be ahead of Mercedes at the start of the 2023 season (Sky Sports)However, asked if he agreed with that assessment, Brundle's answer was emphatic. He told Sky Sports News without a hint of hesitation: "No. That's too much to ask, I think. Too big of a turnaround.
"Mercedes, their car was pretty handy towards the end of last year – don't forget, George Russell won in Brazil. So, I think that's underplaying how strong Mercedes are as a team and that car can be.
"Our reference point is the Bahrain test and it did look as if it was Red Bull out front, Ferrari gamely chasing them and then Mercedes scratching their heads, not quite sure where they were at – a few issues, but not too far behind. So a bit like last year. They've got a bit of work to do to match the relentless pace of the Red Bull."