The reason the F1 grid keeps strengthening is because of a few factors. The talent pool has expanded. There is now more access than before, meaning more talent is being discovered. Moreover, drivers exhibit greater longevity due to advancements in training, nutrition etc.
There is also the 80s grids which include the likes of Senna, Prost, Piquet, Mansell, de Angelis etc. But its the same case for those grids as well. The average driver was miles worse than the ones we have today.
This is a big blow for Ferrari. They have the best chassis. So a chance to make strides on the engine (which is their biggest deficit), could have brought them close to Mercedes. Goes to show Merc’s advantage is more than the PU. Also shows that RedBull have built a great engine.
The ADUO verdict was revealed this weekend. Which would show how many upgrades/chances teams would get to improve their engine. The RedBull engine was found the benchmark, not Mercedes. Which means while Ferrari has a chance to improve their engine, so does Mercedes.