The reigning champions, Max Verstappen and Red Bull, are anticipated to impress again this season. Despite not clocking the fastest lap time over the three-day testing period, the Austrian-English team demonstrated an almost flawless testing program, leaving many in awe. This is particularly notable considering the team’s dominant performance in the previous season, where it won 22 out of 23 races. Verstappen was full of praise for the team’s lead design engineer, Adrian Newey, citing the testing program as “pretty good”.
The new model car is not just a minor upgrade from the car that dominated the 2023 season. Indeed, radical changes were made, such as modifications to the side pods. Verstappen expressed his admiration for the team’s innovative spirit, stating: “What I like about the team is that it wasn’t conservative, but rather pushed the limit again with the changes to the concept. I just said: I trust you completely that you will build the fastest car.” Veteran driver Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin has already conceded that “19 drivers already know that they will not be world champions this year”.
So, who are the main competitors this year?
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari emerged as the driver with the fastest lap time during the three-day testing period. However, the true significance of his 1:29.921 minute lap time will only become clear once the season starts.
McLaren’s racing team also exudes confidence, having made significant technical advancements towards the end of the previous year. Lando Norris, one of the team’s drivers, is optimistic about their chances, stating: “Yes, Red Bull can be beaten. We were close a few times last year and left Red Bull behind us in one or two sessions. We can do that this year too. It will be much more difficult to do that over the entire season.”
What’s the latest on the allegations against Red Bull team boss Christian Horner?
Horner, who was pictured leaving the paddock on Friday, is facing internal proceedings over allegations of inappropriate behavior towards an employee. The entire Formula 1 community is anxiously awaiting a decision, which is expected before the start of the season. For now, Horner is maintaining a low profile, most likely due to legal considerations. The situation is adding to the mounting pressure on the entire Formula 1.
