If we are treated to a Mercedes vs Red Bull Racing contest in 2017, it could well be an ‘engine vs. aero’ battle given Mercedes’ superior power unit and Red Bull Racing’s aero prowess.

Nevermind, Bernie Ecclestone doesn’t believe Mercedes will be challenged this season, either. *Sigh*

On this ‘engine vs. aero’ debate, we’re reminded of Enzo Ferrari’s famous quote: “aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines.”

And this does seem true for Red Bull Racing – who have publicly declared that they’ll be fighting for wins only in the second half of 2017! *Sigh*

Also in this week’s episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we discuss the Renault-Magnussen-Haas love-hate relationship, possible retirement options for Jolyon Palmer and Mclaren’s sponsor-friendly statements.

Finally, even though we narrowly missed the Valtteri Bottas to Mercedes announcement, like everyone else, we knew it was happening.

While Mercedes made the most of the positive PR around their second cockpit, they do need lessons on how to maintain suspense!

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