Red Bull began this season on a high note, continuing their dominance from last year by clinching victories in the first four races. The RB20 appeared even more formidable than the unbeatable RB19, with many experts predicting another title for the team. However, internal struggles and technical setbacks soon derailed their campaign. Compounding these issues, McLaren’s resurgence shifted the balance of power, forcing the defending champions to fall behind.
Since the Miami GP, McLaren has overtaken Red Bull as the new frontrunner, leaving the Milton Keynes-based squad struggling to keep pace. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s top driver, Max Verstappen, has faced a challenging stretch, going eight races without a win. As a result, Landor Norris is en route to dethrone Verstappen from the Driver’s Championship. Therefore, the pressure of winning every point affects Verstappen’s racing ability. An F1 pundit discussed this during a recent Sky Sports F1 Podcast episode.
“It’s Harder To Get A Podium,” Jenson Button Debunks Max Verstappen’s Ongoing Struggle
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are currently engaged in fierce competition for the 2024 Formula 1 drivers’ championship. Despite Norris’s impressive performance, he faces a significant challenge, as he trails Verstappen by 52 points with only six races remaining. Even if Norris manages to win every race from this point on, including securing the additional point for the fastest lap, he would still fall short if Verstappen consistently finishes in second place.
At first glance, this situation may favor Red Bull and Verstappen, suggesting they are in a strong position. However, former McLaren driver Jenson Button believes Verstappen is under considerable pressure. In a recent appearance on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Button elaborated on the psychological challenges Verstappen faces.
He noted that the situation has become complex despite Verstappen’s reputation as a resilient competitor. Further, the former F1 driver indicated that Verstappen feels the weight of expectations and has expressed concerns about not winning another race this season. As a result, Verstappen’s focus may have shifted to simply accumulating points rather than aiming for victories. Button highlighted that this self-imposed pressure can make securing podium finishes even more challenging for a driver.
Mercedes And Ferrari To Steal Points From The Front Runners
In a stiff world title battle, the mid-field teams play a deciding role. Ferrari and Mercedes are practically out of contention. However, the two teams could be the deciding factor in the Contsrutor’s and Driver’s Championship. These two outfits could pose a challenge for both Red Bull and McLaren.
The mid-field team usually creates a buffer zone by stealing points. Thus, the front runners might suffer if Ferrari, Mercedes, or both perform well. Ultimately, what seems like a direct showdown between Red Bull Racing and the Papaya squad involves a complex cast of characters.