The cries are exasperated and oft repeated within and without the Formula 1 paddock. There were murmurings last year, but the volume has been loud and clear since March's season-opening Australian Grand Prix: Mercedes' continued domination is bad news for F1.

"The problem is the gap is so big you end up with three-tier racing," argued Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Melbourne. "And that is not healthy for F1."

We are now 13 races further along the road towards the outcome of the 2015 world championship. Would F1 be in better shape without Mercedes running away with things at the front? Would the races be more exciting? Would the title race be closer?