It's been apparent for some months that Ferrari and Mercedes are currently aligned in terms of their views on the future of Formula 1, and that the fierce on-track rivals have formed an unlikely alliance as the championship's new management tries to implement change.

That was underlined last year when provisional proposals for a simplified power unit package, tabled by Liberty and the FIA, were quickly shot down by both manufacturers. Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne warned of dumbing down the series, and his frustration led to a threat to withdraw from F1, and subsequent talk of a breakaway series in 2021. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not dismiss this.

It was also clear to see that F1's two top teams are on the same page by looking at an FIA press conference from the Australian Grand Prix. During proceedings, Christian Horner was vocal on the Laurent Mekies affair, and accused Ferrari of breaking a gentlemen's agreement over the length of gardening leave for ex-FIA personnel.