The 2024 F1 season has seen Red Bull face a rollercoaster journey. After a dominant start, with Verstappen seemingly unbeatable and the RB20 effortlessly outpacing its rivals, the Austrian team began showing signs of decline. A drop in performance, both from the car and, even more so, from Sergio Perez, allowed rivals, particularly Ferrari and McLaren, to close the gap and surpass the team in terms of performance.
Despite the team’s struggles, Max Verstappen kept his composure in most situations, once again demonstrating his extraordinary talent and determination. His victory in Brazil, following an epic comeback, has all but secured his fourth consecutive world title. Conversely, Checo failed to keep pace with his teammate during this challenging period, limiting Red Bull’s contribution to the Constructors’ Championship. The Mexican driver’s performance has been one of the main reasons the Austrian team was unable to extend its lead, an undeniable fact.
This season, nearing its conclusion, has highlighted the RB20’s limitations and underscored the need for changes. Lately, however, the car’s performance seems to have improved, and in Las Vegas, the next world championship round, Max can put an exclamation mark on the 2024 season. On the other hand, there is still a mathematical chance to challenge McLaren and Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship, an objective still within reach for Christian Horner and his team.
F1, Red Bull: Verstappen close to a fourth crown
The Las Vegas GP will see Max Verstappen on the verge of his fourth consecutive world title. The Dutch driver comes off a breathtaking race in São Paulo, where his victory dealt a significant blow to Norris, who seemed mentally shaken, as evidenced by his evident nervousness throughout the last race weekend.
For his part, Max is overjoyed: “Brazil was a special moment for me and the team,” Max Verstappen said. “It was fantastic to return to our previous form. Now we focus on Las Vegas, with the last triple-header of the season. The circuit is fast and offers many overtaking opportunities. Once again, low temperatures will challenge tire management. We’re approaching each race with commitment and aim to finish the season on a high note.”
Cold asphalt was a factor in 2023, and the difficulty in bringing tires, especially the harder compound race tires, up to temperature should not be underestimated. For this reason, Pirelli has brought the three softest compounds from its 2024 range to counter the cold winds currently sweeping through Nevada and along the Strip.
Red Bull, Sergio Perez remains the weak link
On the other side of the Red Bull garage, Sergio Perez approaches the race with the goal of redeeming himself after a disappointing season. Checo has scored only 151 points across 21 races—far too few for a driver piloting what was, until recently, the dominant car in F1. For the second consecutive year, apart from a few sporadic successes, the Mexican has fallen short. While in 2023 he had an extraordinary car at his disposal, this year the team’s difficulties have exposed the weaknesses of a driver clearly not at his best.
“We are preparing for a crucial weekend in Las Vegas,” said Sergio Perez. “Last year, this race was an unknown: a new circuit, unfamiliar surface, and unusual temperatures. Now we return with more data and experience. I love this track: tight walls and the unique atmosphere of a street circuit. Driving on the Strip is a special thrill. Despite the incredible spectacle, I want to give my best and make the most of the car. In São Paulo, we were more competitive than it appeared; now we need to capitalize in these final three races.”
One last push for Max, then, before securing a world championship that he objectively deserves, despite the team’s many challenges this year. The Dutch champion, however, has shown a remarkable ability to ignore the chaos around him, focusing solely on his goal. Checo has his last opportunities to fight for his spot, though Mexican sponsors are advocating for his continued presence in Red Bull through 2025.
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