Max Verstappen, after a sensational 2023 season, faces a tougher battle in 2024. With five wins out of eight races so far, Verstappen and Red Bull have encountered more competition this year, drawing predictions from former F1 driver Robert Doornbos.
Red Bull’s dominance in 2023, where they won 21 out of 22 races, had set high expectations for the following season. Max Verstappen’s whopping 575 points were enough to secure the Constructors’ title single-handedly. However, 2024 is proving to be a different story. With Ferrari and McLaren emerging as strong competitors, Red Bull has lost three races already.
The recent Monaco Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc from Ferrari clinch victory, unveiling a weakness in Red Bull’s pace, which has been present since 2022. Verstappen acknowledged this gap, suggesting that their rivals are catching up.
Robert Doornbos, speaking to fellow pundit Rob Kamphues on Ziggo Sport, expressed his view that Verstappen will not dominate the remaining 16 races. ‘You said that Max was going to win 22 races this year. So that’s not going to happen. He will win another six or seven,’ Doornbos predicted.
Despite facing increased competition, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner remains optimistic but realistic. He pointed out the improvements made by both Ferrari and McLaren, indicating that the competition was bound to converge eventually. Horner emphasizes the importance of the upcoming races in Montreal, Barcelona, Austria, and Silverstone, describing the season as a marathon, not a sprint.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team boss, echoed this sentiment, stating that nothing is decided yet with 16 races remaining. ‘Probably you can still score 500 points until the end. It means that nothing is done in one direction or the other,’ Vasseur remarked. He stressed the need for continuous improvement and adaptation, suggesting that the title fight could go either way.
It’s clear that the 2024 F1 season is more competitive than last year, with Red Bull having to share the spotlight with Ferrari and McLaren. The season’s progression will reveal whether Verstappen can maintain his winning form or if other drivers will continue to challenge his dominance.
As the 2024 season unfolds, it’s apparent that Max Verstappen and Red Bull will have to work harder to stay ahead. With Robert Doornbos predicting fewer wins for Verstappen, the title race promises to be an exciting one, with Ferrari and McLaren bringing the heat.
Source: Planetf1
