According to Jukka Mildh, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has to watch out for threats coming from behind. Mercedes can win individual races and confuse the struggle for the duller places in the drivers’ and teams’ World Series.
– These are really big, historic steps in the history of formula one.
That’s what Urheilu’s expert said Jukka Mildh describes Friday’s news of Audi joining the formulas for the 2026 season.
Audi’s decision is based on the changes planned for that season, such as new hybrid power sources and more environmentally sustainable fuels.
Another brand belonging to the Volkswagen group, Porsche, is also expected to announce its participation in the near future. Audi will probably become a partner of Sauber, which currently works with Alfa Romeo. Porsche, on the other hand, is connected to Red Bull.
According to Mildh, it is the consideration of environmental aspects that has set the car giants on the move.
– The hybrid features and the renewal of the power source were decisive. The questions related to fuels and the utilization of electric power have been found out. It is important for these car brands to go in the right direction. It’s the same direction the automotive industry is going.
According to Mildh, it is still too early to say whether the new brands will immediately become top teams in the formulas. The upcoming reforms will mix things up.
– We are talking about a new type of racing car series, the likes of which has not been driven before.
Both brands have a strong motorsport background and know-how in engine technology.
– I believe that Audi and Porsche will become very strong. For example, the choice of partner is now important for Audi. Sauber is not a bad starting point because they are able to influence how the team is developed.
For Leclerc, pressure from the front and the back
The one-month summer break of the F1 series is over, when the 14th race of the season will be held in Spa, Belgium this weekend.
Red Bull Max Verstappen leads the Drivers’ World Series by a considerable 80 points ahead of Ferrari Charles Leclerc. Another Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is only five points behind Leclerc. After Spa, there are eight more races in the program.
Over the course of the season, Ferrari has fallen into tactical blunders, and even the team’s No. 1 driver Leclerc has not always performed in a tough race situation in the manner required of a champion.
According to Mildh, Verstappen’s championship looks very likely.
– Yes, Verstappen is now strong. The previous race in Hungary was a flop for Ferrari in terms of tactics, management and decision-making.
Mildh reminds that even Leclerc’s, 24, second place in the World Series has not been announced in the church. For example, Sergio Perez lurks just five points away.
– Then there is Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and George Russel, who are coming up from behind. Mercedes’ speed is increasing all the time. The pressure also comes from behind pretty much.
Silver arrows are confusing
In the season’s 13 races, only Red Bull and Ferrari drivers have celebrated victory. Mercedes has, however, performed upbeat performances in the last few races. In both the French and Hungarian games before the summer break, the mermaid duo took second and third place.
Mildh believes that the silver arrows will still confuse the struggle in the drivers’ and teams’ World Series in the final season.
– The speed of both drivers has increased, which means that the car has developed well going forward. It also says a lot that Hamilton’s positive attitude towards doing things has started to emerge. The car has a lot of potential that can be unearthed little by little.
George Russel is fourth in the World Championship standings with 158 points, while Lewis Hamilton is sixth with 146 points. Mercedes is third in the World Team Series, 30 points behind Ferrari.
The team has suffered in the beginning of the season due to the new aerodynamic rules, especially the bouncing caused by the bottom of the car.
– It has been a surprisingly big problem. Now that it’s starting to settle down, I think they have a chance to take some more race wins. It will mix up the top fight.
Mildh estimates that Mercedes’ chance to win could come in the next few races.
Bottas knew what he was doing
Alfra Romeo and Valtteri Bottas the situation for the rest of the season looks difficult. The team was last in the points at the Canadian GP on June 19. The team’s race pace has been lacking and there have been problems at the starts.
– It would seem that they have all the resources and know-how to solve the difficulties and technical insecurities related to the start. But for some reason things don’t get done. Alfa has had its own approach to this season and building the car. Their reaction ability is not as good as these top teams.
Mildh reminds that Bottas knew what he was doing when he joined the team.
– That is a growth project. You have to put a lot into the game to get ahead. It won’t be solved in one season. I have to remember that the new car rules have only been driven here for half a year. The direction is good, but it has slowed down for some reason.
Alfa Romeo said on Friday, following the news from Audi, that it will withdraw from the series after the 2023 season. Its background company Sauber has been rumored to be Audi’s new partner.
– I still like driving hard. I think I still have a lot to give to the sport, Bottas, 32, said.
“Formula 1 is a gentleman’s sport”
During the summer break, several driver changes were made for the upcoming season. Sebastian Vettel’s after the end announcement, Alpine’s conker Fernando Alonso announced that he was joining the Aston Martin group. Another Alpine rider Oscar Piastri on the other hand, jumps to McLaren and the current driver of the team, who has performed poorly lately Daniel Ricciardo has to give way.
According to Mildh, driver changes will not be seen on the track as, for example, laziness or indifference. Team points are important and drivers are bound by contracts.
– It is not part of the nature of the sport that transfers would affect positioning on the track. Formula 1 is a gentleman’s sport, although the competition is fierce. It is also a dangerous species. No matter who the opponent is in a tight overtaking situation, the goal is to overcome it by regular means.