Could Force H have trapped the German raiders?

How might the pursuit have changed if the reporting aircraft had been able to signal Force H immediately?

Ark Royal could have inflicted slowing damage, allowing Renown and her escorts to force a much more dangerous engagement on the German ships.

Ark Royal's air strikes could slow or damage the German ships. A second strike might compound that damage before Renown, cruisers, and destroyers forced a surface engagement, probably at night. Renown's modernized systems and 15-inch guns would offset the German ships' greater number of main guns, while escorts added torpedo attacks. The British might take serious damage, but the combined force would make both raiders' escape doubtful.