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Debate | 'Verstappen is not going to be as dominant this year as in 2023'
And Max Verstappen did it again. A new season, an all-new car and the Red Bull Racing driver also put the RB20 on pole. However, the differences at the top of the standings were small in Bahrain. Is this a first indication that an extremely exciting F1 season awaits us? Or will it be business as usual at Saturday's Grand Prix, with Verstappen storming off into the distance? Comment on our statement: 'Max Verstappen is not going to be nearly as dominant as he was in 2023'
There was no consensus in the paddock after the test days. Some people believed that Red Bull's rivals had moved closer, while others believed that the lead had remained intact. A few even thought Red Bull's lead over the rest had actually increased to a second. The latter seem to be wrong after qualifying.
Ferrari or Mercedes closer?
The fact is that Charles Leclerc drove a faster time in Q2 of qualifying than Verstappen needed to take his pole. In other words, the Dutchman had to work hard for it. Afterwards, the world champion also admitted honestly that he did not entirely expect this first place. On the other hand, Ferrari and Mercedes have regularly been just as close in qualifying in '23. Once the Grand Prix got underway, Verstappen and his Red Bull could easily drive away from the rest of the field.
What it will be on Saturday, of course, remains to be seen. If qualifying is a harbinger of the balance of power in the race, a win for Verstappen is not a certainty beforehand. Perhaps even such a dominant season as in '23 - which is nevertheless feared here and there - is not necessarily the reality.
Vote and have your say!
What do the readers of GPblog think: Will Max Verstappen be as dominant in 2024 as he was last year? Or he won't be as dominant? Vote in the poll and let us know the reasoning in the comments!