Are Red Bull under pressure? "Enemy are on their tail"
F1 News
Before the 2024 Formula 1 season got underway, few believed Red Bull, especially Max Verstappen, would be involved in a World Championship battle. But the tide has turned, and after underperforming at three Grands Prix in a row, the Austrian team's gap at the front of the grid has diminished. At the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, Red Bull will be looking to right those wrongs, but Ferrari, McLaren, and even Mercedes are closing the gap, and Martin Brundle can see a competitive title battle playing out.
Red Bull left reeling
After the first five races of the season, nothing could stop Verstappen and the rapid RB20. The Dutchman won four of the five races, only missing out on one due to a mechanical failure at the Australian Grand Prix. However, a stunning performance at the Miami Grand Prix from Lando Norris put a stop to Red Bull's dominance.
The Brit then pushed Verstappen right to the line at Imola, finishing just a second behind as the chequered flag fell. A terrible performance from the RB20 at the Monaco Grand Prix highlights the reeling results that the Austrian team are having right now, with Verstappen only finishing sixth, and Sergio Perez crashing out on the opening lap after being knocked out in Q1.
As a result, Verstappen has been dragged into a drivers' title battle, with Charles Leclerc's win at Monaco putting the Monegasque 31 points behind the Dutchman, and Red Bull themselves sit just 24 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' standings. With Ferrari and McLaren showing that they have the pace to beat the RB20 to victory, it seems that a title battle could be on, and speaking on Sky Sports, Martin Brundle believes that is the case.
"I think there is no doubt about it - if Red Bull are not absolutely on their A-game, we now have McLaren, we have Ferrari - Mercedes are also talking a good game this weekend as well - ready to seize the victories and certainly get between the two Red Bull drivers. It's game on in that respect.
"There will be circuits, Silverstone and Barcelona, where Red Bull will be super, super strong, but Ferrari are right in it," continued the former F1 driver. "Unless Red Bull brings a genius update, in all conditions, in all track layouts, the enemies are on their tail."