MICHAEL LAMONATO

There’s only one time the vibe is really relevant in Formula 1, and it’s the days between preseason testing and the first race.

Despite having three days of numbers to crunch and analyse from thousands of laps, the different climatic conditions, track states, fuel loads, engine modes, run plans and experimental parts mean that making meaningful comparisons and conclusions is always a mug’s game.

But the teams have access to far more powerful analytical tools than us mere mortals, which is where the vibe comes in.

Red Bull Racing is full steam ahead on its title defence in 2023.

Max Verstappen and his RB19 were calm, composed and quick about the season ahead after a day and a half of testing. There are no real reliability problems to speak about and, crucially, no obvious contender to challenge it for the mantle. At least not yet.

It’s been a mixed bag for the other potential top teams. Ferrari is keeping its cards close to its chest, while Mercedes couldn’t make progress on a heartening first day.

It’s better to hit trouble during preseason testing than in the season proper, but given the reliability rate of the modern Formula 1 car, it’s better not to strike trouble at all.

With regulations largely stable year on year, most cars enjoyed long stints of uninterrupted, trouble-free running on the first day of testing. None will have had the engine fully turned up and few drivers will have been pushing particularly hard, but it’s a good sign for most.

But it puts the spotlight and ratchets up the pressure on those that do suffer problems given they immediately fall behind on crucial track time.