Based on what he saw in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton believes that Formula 1's mid-field teams are closer to the front-runners than they've ever been in recent years.
Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing have formed an unassailable trio since the advent of the hybrid era in F1, and one that will likely remain out of reach until the sport ushers in its new regulation platform in 2021.
However, a tweak to this year's aero rules and inherent progress may provide an opportunity for some mid-field runners to reduce the gap to the leaders this season, a prospect that Hamilton welcomes.
"I think it is the three teams [that will remain at the front], but also the teams at the back have closed up as far as I’m aware," Hamilton said.
"The whole pack has closed up. I don’t know which team is fourth currently, but they are a lot closer than they were before."
"There was like a second gap before but now they are within half a second or maybe less, which is awesome."
While Melbourne or the early races could throw up a few surprises, with a mid-field squad perhaps lucking into a podium finish, the pecking order later in the year will likely once again be determined by crucial in-season development.
"Depending on how their development is during the year and whether they have the capacity to develop as quickly as the top three teams will be the question, but it will be exciting," added.
"Maybe we will see some races where Renault or the Racing Point will be a lot higher than they were in the past."
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