Formula 1's new era is all about bigger cars, wider tyres, more downforce, and greater performance than ever before.
But this category remains one defined by small margins, and ultimately it was minor details that meant Ferrari rather than Mercedes went home victorious from the first grand prix of 2017.
The picture after Friday practice looked very different. Lewis Hamilton was out on his own in front, more than half a second clear of Sebastian Vettel over one lap, and a second clear over the longer runs.