Going back to the start of the season it seemed unlikely that any team would break Red Bull’s dominance, however the team has recently seen a dip in form that saw them having to concede their lead in the Constructors’ Championship to rival McLaren who is now leading Red Bull by 41points. Naturally, Red Bulls struggles have led to theories as to the reasons for such a drastic change from their previously dominating form.
A reason appeared to have been found during the summer break when the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved changes to the technical regulations. Among these changes was a re-wording of article 11.1.2 that would outlaw asymmetrical braking torques. This change led many to speculate that teams or more specifically Red Bull had used such a system on their car giving them an edge over the competition.
The FIA later clarified that no team had been using the system and they had just wanted to future proof the regulations so that none of them could.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who Red still leads the Driver’s championship by 52 points, spoke about his reaction to the rumors that have emerged over the summer.
“People always come up with different stuff,” he said to Motorsport Network. “I find it really bizarre how they come up with some of these things, but it is what it is. It’s part of the game, but I usually just let it go.
“I’ve been in F1 for 10 years now and I’m not wasting time on all those stories. I mean, I barely read anything about F1 anyway. Of course, sometimes I see something or someone else tells me: “Did you see what this and that person said?’ But I always say people can think what they want, I’m not going to waste my energy on that. So, I don’t really care about what other people say.”
When confronted with comments made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who described Red Bull as “destabilised” and “pretty toxic” environment”, Verstappen replied sharply.
“People that say all sorts of stuff should just focus on their own team.
“That’s nothing specifically against Zak Brown, by the way, it applies to everyone. People just need to focus on themselves, and that’s what I’m doing as well.”
Starting with Austin this weekend there are still 6 rounds, including three sprint races, to go there are still a lot of points left on the table which could promise a tight fought Championship battle like we have seen in 2021 between Verstappen and Hamilton and ultimately led to the Dutchman taking his first out of three titles. Despite the potential of a close fought battle to the Championship Verstappen doesn’t think it will be a repeat of 2021.
“Yes, because right now we still have four teams at the front, while back then you just had the same two people up front,” he stated.
“Of course, 2021 was my first world championship, so that was very different already. I think I’m a bit more relaxed about it now.
“Of course, I want to win and of course, I’m going to do my best to defend that [52-point] lead. But the feeling is very different from 2021.”
With most of the front running teams reportedly bringing updates to Austin, it will be interesting to see the remaining races of the championship play out.
