Max Verstappen is piloting the Red Bull RB20.
Former Aston Martin strategy chief turned pundit Bernie Collins believes Red Bull are “really on the backfoot”, with increased competition, weather and “a very different track” in its demands setting up a “very exciting” Canadian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen appeared to be on track for a fourth consecutive World title in F1 2024 after triumphing in four out of the first five races. However, with the last three grand prix events resulting in three distinct winners, it seems that the title race may not be as straightforward as initially anticipated.
Could rival teams and weather challenge Red Bull at Canadian GP?
In Miami, Lando Norris from McLaren achieved a surprising first victory in F1 with the improved MCL38. However, in Imola, Max Verstappen managed to defend against the British driver’s attacks and emerged victorious. Charles Leclerc from Ferrari dominated in Monaco, where Verstappen could only secure sixth place.
Next up is the Canadian Grand Prix, where the threat of rain looks set to linger throughout the race weekend, as Collins posed the question of whether Red Bull can keep their head above water in this brewing F1 2024 battle?
Collins expressed his thoughts to Sky Sports News, emphasizing that Canada’s circuit differs significantly from Monaco, primarily due to its abundance of long straights. This characteristic will favor certain cars that excel in terms of straight-line speed.
Looking ahead to Montreal, the weather appears to be very uncertain. As a result, the sessions are expected to be chaotic and unpredictable. The teams will need to focus on learning whenever possible. There is a possibility of either a wet qualifying or a wet race, which will scramble the starting grid and make for an incredibly thrilling race.
Furthermore, over the past three races, we have witnessed a significant decrease in the distance between Red Bull and other teams. Notably, Ferrari and McLaren have both demonstrated their ability to challenge Red Bull at different stages throughout recent races.
At the beginning of the year, we had concerns about repeating the previous year’s outcomes. However, now we find ourselves in a surprising position where the championship appears to be much closer than anticipated.
“And Red Bull finds themselves in a difficult position. Will they be able to acquire the necessary knowledge? Can they introduce upgrades to maintain their car’s lead?”
Will Red Bull return to winning ways in Canada?
Five Canadian GP questions: Red Bull to struggle, McLaren’s bogey circuit and what next for Esteban Ocon?
F1 2024 title race declared ON as Red Bull face increasing double threat
Red Bull has recently revealed a two-year contract extension for Sergio Perez, as they gear up for the Canadian GP. Perez, determined to recover from his P8 finish in Imola and a disappointing DNF in Monaco due to a collision with the Haas drivers, is hoping to bounce back strongly.
However, due to Perez’s recent struggles in the last few races, where he now trails Verstappen by a deficit of 62 points in the Drivers’ Championship, Collins believes that Red Bull’s competitors are starting to see a potential opportunity.
Collins was asked if Formula 1 has been this exciting in recent years, to which he responded affirmatively, saying, “I believe so, without a doubt.”
“I was quite surprised even at the end of Monaco to look at the championship standings and see there’s not that many points, there’s 24 points between Red Bull and Ferrari for the Constructors’. Max isn’t blowing away with it all in the Drivers’ Championship either.
The situation is highly challenging, with minimal margin for error, concerns about dependability, and uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of team upgrades. Will they prove successful or not?
“At this point, it seems like the driver partnerships of Ferrari and McLaren are collaborating more effectively compared to Max and Checo, as there is a noticeable disparity in the points distribution between the latter duo.”
“So the teams are making a genuine effort to confront them, sensing a possible chance for success.”
However, a major advantage for Red Bull is that Verstappen is well aware of the strategies needed to succeed at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, as he aims for a third consecutive victory at the track.
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