The Evolution Race is on.

As with every Formula 1 season, the speed that the teams can evolve their cars throughout is essential to the overall result.

This season is proving to be potentially the most important for a number of teams, but especially Ferrari.

After Mercedes achieved a new record for 1/2 finishes, Ferrari really are up against it – they have a lot of work to do if they are to challenge.

Ferrari clearly have a quick car. Last race, in Baku Ferrari followed what seems to be coming a regular pattern this season - they had pace throughout practise but when it came to qualifying and the race Mercedes jumped ahead.

Improvements are needed, whether that is small changes through the car setup or a fundamental change to the design of the car is to be seen.

But it’s clear to see the drivers seem to be losing heart. Vettel seems a defeated man already; he doesn’t seem to have confidence in his own ability. He talks in the press how the team have the potential to improve, but he really needs to provide them with a spark and show some fight to encourage them.

Leclerc’s attitude also seems to have changed since the Chinese grand prix and being asked to move over for Vettel. The team need to allow Leclerc to lead them if Vettel isn’t proving himself up to the job.

Evolving the car isn’t only important for Ferrari but several other teams down the grid.

Williams immediately springs to mind. We’re all fully aware of the issues they have so I don’t need to do any explaining on this.

Another team though is Haas. They performed strongly last season and at the first race in Australia, but haven’t had the race pace recently. The drivers have just dropped back through the field. Seeing Grosjean retire in Baku and putting it down to an issue with the brakes is a worrying sign.

With the midfield being tighter than ever it is vital to the teams’ success that they investigate and resolve these issues as soon as possible.

Renault also look like they could be in a bit of trouble. They were hoping to fight the top 3 but this year have not done anything that’s caught the eye. Everyone was excited by their driver line up but both of them have struggled to perform.

Renault are supplying engines to rivals McLaren, and on track McLaren have finished ahead of them and currently lead them on points.

It isn’t a bright start for Renault, and they have a lot of work to do to reach the heights that they’re aiming for. They have the facilities and individuals in place to succeed at the top, so really need to make use of them

With how competitive and closely matched the field is this year it looks like the race to upgrade the cars is going to be vital yet again. Any slip up or underperforming changes to the cars could ultimately be worth millions come the end of the season and the final constructors championship standings.

It’s still early days in the season, and we have a long way to go but any early jump in performance will be an important boost to any team that gets it.

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