F1 pundit claims Red Bull rivals taken 'step forward'

Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff has said that Ferrari and Mercedes have taken a ‘step forward’ towards closing the gap to Red Bull.

The defending champions completely dominated the grid in 2023, winning all but one race on the calendar as Max Verstappen cruised to his third consecutive world title.

Ferrari were the only other team to claim victory last season – that coming from Carlos Sainz in what was his second career win at the Singapore Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Marko issues 'ejector seat' warning to key RB figures

READ MORE: F1 team-mate battles: Hamilton pressure is on at Mercedes as rivals clash

Schiff offers Bahrain testing assessment

In pre-season testing in Bahrain for the 2024 season, Verstappen topped the time sheets in the first session on Wednesday, but it was the Maranello squad who came out on top on the second and third day – Sainz on Thursday and Charles Leclerc on Friday.

Speaking with Sky Sports, Schiff highlighted Red Bull’s pace across the test, but insisted that Ferrari and Mercedes have taken a ‘step forward’.

"My takeaways from testing was first of all the pecking order is going to change this year. I think Red Bull was outstanding in terms of their pace, they stood out to me as good,” she said.

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Horner allegations lost Red Bull 'MONTHS' of development claims Villeneuve

"Mercedes stood out to me as taking a step forward quite clearly, Ferrari as well, they might be second best it looks like."

"RB impressed me and Sauber impressed me as well. The teams that have more work to do and will be slightly disappointed about where they will start the season is McLaren, Aston Martin.

"Williams seem to have taken a step backwards and reliability didn't seem to be on their side and Alpine, they did not have a great test."

READ MORE: Horner and Red Bull investigation given SCATHING verdict by F1 legend

Related

F1 Social

F1 legend Brundle shares EMOTIONAL goodbye message

• November 16, 2024 17:59

Latest F1 News

F1 legend announces SHOCK exit

• November 15, 2024 12:14