As team principal Christian Horner said, the 2023 season was a ‘unicorn year’ for Red Bull. While the team carried the same momentum into 2024, things took an unexpected turn. The RBR Pangea got divided into two parts and started drifting apart. It was a result of political turmoil aggravated by sexual misconduct allegations against Christian Horner. Thus, despite an impactful performance on-tracks, the energy drink-based outfit seemed vulnerable.
As a result, Lando Norris ended Max Verstappen’s Miami streak, while Charles Leclerc derailed the RBR chariot on a bumpy Monaco track. Meanwhile, the three-time world champion has fought valiantly against the ops, consistently securing the top spot. However, Sergio Perez’s low performances have heightened RBR’s tension. Therefore, senior advisor Helmut Marko asked Mercedes drivers for an unusual favor before the Austrian GP.
Biggest Rival Mercedes Could Fortify Red Bull’s World Title Defense
The Red Bull squad has increased their lead following a remarkable triumph in Barcelona. The team leads by over 60 points, but Ferrari and McLaren follow them. The McLaren squad has recently been outstanding, offering a challenge to the energy drink-based team. Despite being 33 points behind Ferrari, McLaren is surging upwards. Meanwhile, the Prancing Horses have struggled in recent races. As a result, Sergio Perez’s decline and Max Verstappen’s status as the sole fighter give the opponents an outside chance. Mercedes, one of Red Bull’s main adversaries, may, paradoxically, benefit the team. Since its revival, the team has consistently scored points, finishing ahead of the Ferrari drivers. As a result, the Silver Arrows are taking valuable points at a vital time of the competition. Thus, the Mercedes drivers could steal points from McLaren and Ferrari, helping Red Bull to extend its lead.
The RBR senior advisor, Helmut Marko, acknowledged this in his Speedweek column. Regarding the Spielberg challenge, Marko highlighted that the team would only get on session to fix the car. Since it’s a sprint event, teh teams won’t have the luxury of three practice sessions. Moreover, he explained how the team has struggled to strike a balance in three sessions. Thus, doing the same deed in one session could make things difficult for them. Further, he explained the difference between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as the latter has yet to learn the knack of driving flawlessly. Consequently, the 81-year-old veteran said he would want Mercedes to continue its form for a while. This would help Red Bull in the context of the World Championship. While the two teams clashed in the final race of the 2021 season, Red Bull is now requesting an unusual favor from Mercedes.
Helmut Marko Confirms That THIS Young Driver Will Join Red Bull Soon
The driver’s carousel for 2025 is still going on, as only a few spots are left. The RBR team now has three competitors for two cockpits. Although Yuki Tsunoda’s contract was extended due to his recent form, the other seat remains vacant.
It would be filled out either by Daniel Ricciardo or Liam Laswon. Daniel Ricciardo had been with the RB setup for a while but has not performed accordingly. On the other hand, the young New Zealander is Helmut Marko’s first pick. Therefore, Marko hinted that Lawson would likely win this Trans-Tasmanian rivalry to secure a seat in 2025.