21 March 2023 , 20:05
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Lewis Hamilton declared that the Red Bull RB19s are the fastest Formula 1 cars he has ever seen – but Karun Chandhok is not convinced.
"I have definitely never seen a car so fast," said the seven-time world champion after the conclusion of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. "When we were fast, we were not that fast. It is the fastest car I have seen, especially compared to the rest."
He based that assessment on how easily Max Verstappen flew past him. The Dutchman started 15th on the grid but there was never any doubt that he was going to move forwards quickly. By lap 25 of 50, he was up to second place as he and Sergio Perez romped to another one-two finish.
"I don't know how, but he came past me with some serious speed and I didn't even bother to block him because there was a massive speed difference," said Hamilton of the overtake Verstappen completed on him. Everyone wants to see a close battle, but it is the way it is. It is not my problem, it is not my fault."
There's no doubting the Red Bulls are a class above everyone else at the start of this season. But Sky Sports pundit Chandhok is not convinced that the RB19s are any quicker than the Mercedes cars Hamilton was driving when his team was dominating the constructors' championship.
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He wrote on social media: "[The Red Bull] is certainly a dominant car but let's not forget that at the opening race in 2015, Lewis outqualified the best non-Mercedes by 1.4 seconds..."
The power of the Red Bulls this year has led to some worries from fans and pundits that this season may be dull in the absence of a title race. Mercedes chief Toto Wolff admits it would be hypocritical of him to complain given how dominant the Silver Arrows were for many years.
"We have had those years where we were as strong, but it is a meritocracy," said the Austrian. "We shouldn't talk it down because I remember hearing voices like that between 2014 and 2020. What makes the sport so special is that you need to work hard to win, and you deserve it, and that is matter of fact.
"Even if it is not great for the show that the same guys win all the time, it is because they have done a good job and we haven't. We all hope for good entertainment and it is our duty to catch up and fight these guys.
"We will do everything in our power to fight back and we will look at areas of weakness that they may have. Entertainment follows sport and that [Red Bull's dominance] is maybe not good for the commercial side but it is what makes Formula 1 so special."