Formula 1 motorsport director Ross Brawn is sure Mercedes remain the best team on the grid despite Ferrari’s recent success.
The Italian team claimed three straight wins for the first time since 2008 as Sebastian Vettel ended his winless drought last weekend in Singapore.
That progress put mostly down to a new upgrade which appears to have unlocked the performance at the front of the car, with Ferrari having struggled with chronic understeer for much of the season.
Despite the hugely positive signs though, Brawn doubts it is enough to consider whether Mercedes still set the benchmark in F1.
“For two thirds of the season it was the almost unanimous opinion that in simple terms of the top three teams, Ferrari was strong on tracks where the engine made the difference, Red Bull was in with a chance on tracks where aero was more important, while Mercedes had the more complete package and was better able to manage the tyres,” Brawn said on Sunday’s media debrief.
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“However, after the race in Singapore, we find ourselves commenting on a one-two finish for Ferrari and a podium without a Mercedes driver, so have we witnessed a revolution in the space of a fortnight?
“Definitely not, as the Silver Arrows are still the strongest at every race and their rivals have to do everything perfectly if they want to beat them.”
What the former Mercedes and Ferrari chief does think, however, is that the Italian team’s resurgence, plus Red Bull’s presence too, means the competition going forward should be much stronger, even if this season’s championship is all-but decided.
“With no major rule changes next year, continuing with car development even when the championship fight is more or less decided, still makes more sense and can add value for 2020,” he said.
“So, for Ferrari, it was important to be competitive on a track like Singapore and in a certain sense, this will help Mercedes because it now knows it can’t relax for a moment if it wants to continue to dominate in the hybrid era.
“That battle, which also includes Red Bull, will make for an even more exciting end to the season because the three teams will be fighting it out at each Grand Prix regardless of the impact on the championships.
“Not just for reasons of competition or prestige but also to be in the best position for 2020.”