The Grand Prix weekends since May have been filled with excitement and anticipation. Until the Miami GP, P1 used to be fixed for Max Verstappen, while others had to play a game of dancing chairs for P2 & P3. However, things have changed since McLaren’s Lando Norris won his debut GP in Florida. The Red Bull’s ride has hit an obstacle, while the internal chaos further aggravates the woes.
After a heartbreaking loss in Miami, Verstappen’s excellence sealed the deal for the team on a tricky Imola surface. However, the street circuit of Monaco derailed the reigning champion, as he failed to finish in the top spots. Thus, the improvement of rivals has increased the worries of RBR, as McLaren and Ferrari are visible in the rear-view mirror. Further, the Mercedes revival at Cnada GP would mean an extra competitor for the top spot. However, despite the intensified competition, rival teams fear an RBR storm as the F1 returns to its orthodox track in Spain.
Red Bull Confident While Rivals Nervous As F1 Convoy Reaches Barcelona
Although the energy drink-based outfit is leading by a healthy margin, the chasing packs are closer than ever. Therefore, teams like McLaren and Ferrari have been dreaming of capturing the throne, which, till now, belongs to the Austrian setup. However, the trailing squads seem nervous as the F1 arena returns to a more conventional circuit in Barcelona. While the RB20 grappled with bumps and kerbs on the street circuits, they will shine on the Barcelona track. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri feels the same way; he expects his team to be at the top but accepts Red Bull’s dominance.
Further, he explained that the fluctuating corners at the Spanish GP are positive for RBR. As a result, the Australian driver believes McLaren ‘will be in the fight’ but fears an unexpected result. Moreover, Ferrari’s driver Charles Leclerc shared a similar sentiment as he confirmed Red Bull’s strength to be ‘more visible’ on a conventional track. On the other hand, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the team’s recent performance. However, he considers the Barcelona track a ‘stern test’ for the upgraded W15.
The reason for all the scepticism among the RBR rivals is the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It has a variety of high, medium, and low-speed turns capable of exposing every aspect of an F1 car. Further, the dry conditions and track knowledge make optimising the car crucial for the F1 teams. Former F1 strategist Bernie Collins discussed the track with SkySports. Moreover, he proclaimed the track would be a litmus test for McLaren and Ferrari’s upgrades. Also, it’ll tell whether Red Bull has ‘slipped’ or not. Ultimately, the raging bulls would be excited to perform on a conventional track which supports the low-riding RB20.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: A Track That Might Decide The 2024 World Champion
The Spanish GP is considered as the ‘kingmaker’ in F1. It has been a trend since 2017 that the fastest car in Barcelona remains ahead of others throughout the season. Therefore, despite the claims that Red Bull dominates the circuit, it gives McLaren and Ferrari a chance to turn things around. Both teams are developing upgrades for the Spanish track. However, Red Bull has not communicated any upgrade plans.
Moreover, the surface would be hard on tyres. Thus, Pirelli introduced three of the hardest tyre variants. Further, the race would likely have two or three pit stops, allowing the teams to have a better strategy.