Haug doubts Ferrari: 'I dare not predict that'

Norbert Haug has not been active in Formula 1 for a while now, but the former boss at Mercedes is still not averse to firm statements. Thus - before the 2023 cars have even driven their first metres - he dares to make a prediction for next season.

RND submitted this thesis to the German: 'After the disastrous 2022 year and the sudden change of the team boss (Frédéric Vasseur), there is already too much chaos at Ferrari to compete for the title in 2023.' Haug first of all refutes that Ferrari had a disaster year, as Charcles Leclerc finished second in the championship behind Max Verstappen and the team also finished second in the constructors championship. " Even in the best case scenario, Red Bull would have been unbeatable," Haug said.

Strange strategy

There were - as Haug calls it - 'strange strategic decisions and slapstick incidents during pit stops', but it would have made little difference, Haug believes. "Even without mistakes, Ferrari could not have done better last season. And in 2023, Ferrari can only do better than second and I dare not predict that." Indeed, Haug explains he expects Red Bull Racing to be the strongest again.

According to Haug, Red Bull itself will not see it that way, but: "In fact, the starting position in 2023 is also perfect and possibly even better than in 2022. Victories and title wins have never been a guaranteed success, and who would know that better than a team that became world champion in 2021 thanks to a sporting wrong decision. And in 2022 finally dominant again, which was not possible for seven years."