The Formula One boxing ring is squaring up as the competition rises. What was once a seemingly easy victory for Red Bull has transformed into a fierce rivalry. The paddock is buzzing with anticipation, with Ferrari and McLaren emerging as strong contenders to overthrow RBR. While the Milton Keynes-based team still holds a significant lead, the gap is narrowing. With 268 points, they are the frontrunners for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.
However, the last two races have raised doubts about Red Bull’s invincibility. Max Verstappen’s heroics at the Imola GP saved the team from a potential defeat. The upcoming Monaco GP could be a challenging outing for the reigning champions, with Ferrari and McLaren hot on their heels.
“They Seem To Be Closing The Gap,” Perez Voices His Concern Ahead Of Monaco GP
After a remarkable start in Bahrain, the Orange Army was confident Red Bull would dominate the 2024 season. The RBR duo effortlessly secured a 1-2 finish, boasting a comfortable 25-second lead over Carlos Sainz in third place. Despite Red Bull’s triumph in five out of seven GPs thus far, the on-paper results only tell part of the story. The Imola weekend began on a rough note for RBR, with Verstappen expressing concerns about the car’s performance during practice. However, following a challenging run in practice sessions, the technical team implemented minor adjustments to better adapt to the track conditions.
As a result, it aided the Dutchman in securing his eighth consecutive pole position, a feat that matched the legendary Ayrton Senna’s record. However, Sunday’s race proved to be more intense as the Austrian team faced stiff competition from McLaren and Ferrari. While Verstappen claimed his fifth victory of the season, Lando Norris closely trailed the RB20. The three-time world champion consistently voiced dissatisfaction with the car, feeling uncomfortable during practice sessions. However, his comfort improved significantly during the Sunday race until the switch to hard tires. Gripping the track with hard tires seemed nearly impossible, with Verstappen likening the sensation to “sliding into the grandstand.” Therefore, McLaren and Ferrari are constantly posing challenges to the Austrian outfit.
Recently, Sergio Perez voiced his concern ahead of the Monaco GP. The 34-year-old driver is uncertain about his team. The reason is the open-end circuit of Monte Carlo, which allows every team to challenge the top contenders directly. The margins at the infamous circuit are slim, thus allowing no room for mistakes. Therefore, the Mexican drivers feel every team is in the mix.
Helmut Marko Reveals The Top Contender To Replace Sergio Perez
Red Bull’s sports advisor, Helmut Marko, has proposed a name to partner Max Verstappen in 2025. Marko believes that the Milton Keynes outfit has two options, one of which is the clear favorite. Sergio Perez’s performance slump has forced the team to look for a replacement. While Checo started the season on a high note, he is back to shoddy results.
While experts believe the Mexican should be retained despite a poor run, Carlos Sainz is also an option. Sainz has been exceptional throughout the season but will be replaced by Hamilton in 2025. Marko confirmed that the team’s primary focus is Sergio Perez. However, the management is in talks with the Japanese racer, Yuki Tsunoda. The young driver is currently with Red Bull’s sister team and has surprised everyone with his performance. Thus, Sergio Perez must roll up his sleeves to save his RBR seat.