Force India had pinned its hopes on a substantial upgrade package to launch it back into contention for fourth-best team after a characteristically unflashy pre-season. But despite the changes, which included upgrades to the floor, turning vanes and the introduction of a lower T-wing, it was deep in the midfield in Australia.
Neither Sergio Perez, who was 13th fastest, nor Esteban Ocon, 15th and who reached Q2 by just 29 thousandths of a second over the Toro Rosso of Brendon Hartley, were ever a threat for Q3. In the race, despite stronger long-run pace, they finished 11th and 12th, with Ocon’s race compromised by debris from a bin liner becoming caught in the front wing.
“The package did bring a performance gain,” said Ocon. “Now, we need some more to…
