HOT TAKE: Mercedes are already out of the battle for the championship

In Styria, Max Verstappen made it four Red Bull Racing victories in a row. It's a series of wins that was started by the Dutchman at the end of May by winning the Monaco GP, and has seen the Dutchman take a further two race wins, whilst Sergio Perez won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mercedes seem unable to rise to the challenge.

Mercedes are on a fairly poor run of form. In the past four races they've scored only three podiums with both drivers, when a double podium finish has been normality in recent times. Their second driver Valtteri Bottas has been struggling in 2021, but Lewis Hamilton also seems to be having a hard time with the pressure Verstappen is putting on him.

Verstappen keeps winning and even when he wasn't able to in Baku, he finally had a teammate who has shown he can take victory. The team is on a great run of wins and in the upcoming Austrian GP they are again the top favourites.

Add to that the fact that Mercedes are no longer developing their car and are focusing on 2022, and Red Bull's title win seems even more certain. Mercedes will win some Grands Prix this season, but the look unlikely can't catch up with Red Bull anymore. Therefore the statement: Mercedes are out of the championship race. Do you agree or not? Vote in the poll and leave your opinion in the comments!