Former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton believes Ferrari may have found a major advantage after strong pre-season testing at the Bahrain Circuit. Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton highlighted Ferrari’s unique rear wing, which flips 180 degrees instead of simply opening like the systems used by rival teams.

“I'm going to start with Ferrari because they are the testing Formula 1 world champions, which we know means absolutely nothing at all, but let's start with outright pace. They topped the test," Buxton said

Under the updated regulations, drivers can open both the rear and front wings on straights to reduce drag and increase top speed. Ferrari’s solution goes further, with the rear wing flipping fully upside down to cut drag even more.

“Every team, that rear wing opens. Ferrari's doesn't just open. It flips 180° and goes upside down,” he pointed out.

Ferrari also looked especially strong during practice starts in Bahrain.

“As we saw from their practice starts… Lewis was back on something like row 10. And by the time they got to Turn 1, Lewis was P1,” Buxton said while highlighting Ferrari’s early pace.

He then added a bold assessment:

“The way it looks at the moment, Ferrari could qualify on the back row of the grid and still be leading the grand prix by Turn 1.