Grid progression 2016 - 2019

F1Brits_90

F1Brits_90

World Champion
after a picture I found that showed the lack of progression from the Williams over the last few years. & cider_and_toast curiosity. I thought I would have the how grid has progressed over the last few years since 2016 using austraila qualifying as the constant. couple of interesting bits how Haas have made the biggest improvement finding 6.5 secs but sauber are 2nd best finding 5.1secs. unsurprisingly Williams have made the smallest only finding 1.1 secs started nearly tenth & half ahead but are now 3.04 secs behind. also how did I forget that toro rosso were the 3rd fastest team in 2016 :o

(in championship order of last season)

Mercedes
1:23.817
1:22.188
1:21.164
1:20.486

Ferrari
1:24.675
1:22.456
1:21.828
1:21.190
​
Red Bull
1:25.589
1:23.485
1:21.879
1:21.320
​
Renault
1:27.241
1:25.091
1:23.532
1:22.562​

Haas
1:28.322
1:24.074
1:23.187
1:21.826​

Force India / Racing Point
1:25.753
1:25.081
1:24.005
1:22.532
​
McLaren
1:26.125
1:25.425
1:23.397
1:22.304
​
Sauber/Alfa Romeo
1:27.435
1:26.236
1:24.556
1:22.314​

Toro Rosso
1:25.434
1:24.487
1:24.532
1:22.511​

Williams
1:25.458
1.24.443
1.24.230
1.24.360​
 
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That's a very good piece of work F1Brits_90, and valuable in terms of seeing the state of each team's progress. Next piece is, which changes have had which effect; if Williams have the least progress why is that and if Haas have the best why?
I think Haas came in with substantial funds, people who have the fire and mileage, a sound engineering plan and good selection of drivers. Williams have too many inside influences (investors), confused leadership, shaky funding and have made some shocking engineering choices - all dating back for about 8 years. Shame, Williams have been my favourite team since '82.
 
Sauber's improvement is easily explained by better drivers and new Ferrari parts/involvement.

Interesting to see the top teams have pretty much all made the same progression.
 
I think gethinceri Williams the problem stems back to 2013, because they had worse season in their history which probally looks like success compared now. that 2014 Williams believed their own hype & thought it was because they had built a great car but as it turns out it was purely because of Mercedes, as the further other engine manufacturers closed up the further down the grid Williams slipped. it took them until mid 2017 when the mclaren honda was quicker than the Williams Mercedes at spa that engine papered over a huge chasm of aerodynamic & chassis defientices. which by then they so far behind chassis wise probally 3 years & F1 is unforgiving

Haas made most of their jump with the rules reset in 2017, with dallara making a good chassis & using their relationship with Ferrari to their advantage taking the engine, gearbox, suspension & exhaust. for me I the biggest plaudits have to go to Sauber considering they were so far back in 2015 or 2016 just racing themselves to be where they were with Leclerc in 2018 couldve led abu dhabi gp
 
A lot of work has gone into this I imagine so :goodday: to you F1Brits_90 Very well done :thumbsup:

When I saw the name of the thread I thought that was a statement about F1 today. Well it could have been given some of the recent races we've had.
 
F1Brits_90 said:
I think gethinceri Williams the problem stems back to 2013, because they had worse season in their history which probally looks like success compared now. that 2014 Williams believed their own hype & thought it was because they had built a great car but as it turns out it was purely because of Mercedes, as the further other engine manufacturers closed up the further down the grid Williams slipped. it took them until mid 2017 when the mclaren honda was quicker than the Williams Mercedes at spa that engine papered over a huge chasm of aerodynamic & chassis defientices. which by then they so far behind chassis wise probally 3 years & F1 is unforgiving

Haas made most of their jump with the rules reset in 2017, with dallara making a good chassis & using their relationship with Ferrari to their advantage taking the engine, gearbox, suspension & exhaust. for me I the biggest plaudits have to go to Sauber considering they were so far back in 2015 or 2016 just racing themselves to be where they were with Leclerc in 2018 couldve led abu dhabi gp
Click to expand
Well, it looks from this table that the problem is limited to 2018 and 2019. In 2016 they are the 4th fastest team. In 2017 they are a second faster than the previous year and are the 5th fastest team. And then all progress stops in 2018 and 2019.

Do we know what was their budget in 2016 vice 2018 and 2019?
 
Beyond the major findings mentioned above, these data appear to reflect poorly on Mercedes as engine supplier. Their own improvement is less than average - as are any of their engine customers. Ferrari supplied teams, and Ferrari themselves, have all improved to a greater degree, including Haas and Alfa Romeo.
 
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