Sky F1 broadcaster Martin Brundle has offered a compelling theory, suggesting that Red Bull Racing is “paying the price” for Max Verstappen’s brilliance despite the Dutch driver clinching his fourth Drivers’ Championship this season.
While Verstappen delivered yet another extraordinary performance, the Milton Keynes-based team struggled to maintain its dominance in the Constructors’ Championship, finishing third behind McLaren and Ferrari. Brundle’s comments shine a light on how Verstappen’s extraordinary talent might inadvertently hinder Red Bull’s overall team strategy.
Max Verstappen: A Double-Edged Sword for Red Bull
Verstappen’s incredible consistency and dominance were in stark contrast to his teammate Sergio Perez, who managed just a third of Verstappen’s points tally. This gap in performance exposed weaknesses within the team and raised questions about Red Bull’s ability to cultivate equally competitive drivers to back up Verstappen’s championship runs.
Brundle believes that Verstappen’s unmatched skill has created a significant challenge for Red Bull, as they struggle to find a teammate who can both support and complement their star driver.
“Red Bull are paying the price for having the brilliance of Max Verstappen in the team. They don’t really have the obvious solution,” said Brundle, addressing the difficulty of balancing Verstappen’s dominance with the need for a strong second driver.
Sergio Perez’s Struggles and Red Bull’s Dilemma
The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for Sergio Perez, who faced immense pressure as Red Bull mulled over potential replacements mid-season. Though Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson were rumored to step into the RB20, the team ultimately retained Perez for the remainder of the season.
Brundle empathized with Perez, comparing his current plight to Daniel Ricciardo’s struggles before the Australian driver was dropped from Red Bull.
“I feel the same way about Sergio as I did about Daniel Ricciardo,” Brundle explained.
“He’s lost his mojo, he’s lost his way, and all the pressure that’s being heaped on him must be difficult. To turn up to the track every day must be painful.”
As the season wrapped up, speculation around Perez’s future intensified. Red Bull is reportedly negotiating an exit for the Mexican driver, with Liam Lawson emerging as the leading candidate for the seat in the RB21.
Liam Lawson: Ready for the Challenge?
Liam Lawson, who has shone in his role as part of the Red Bull junior program, expressed confidence in his ability to step up and partner with Verstappen if given the opportunity.
Speaking to PlanetF1.com, Lawson dismissed concerns about following in the footsteps of drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who struggled after being promoted to Red Bull alongside Verstappen.
“For anybody to go up against Max, you have to be realistic and know that he’s the fastest guy on the grid right now,” Lawson said.
“For me, it’s more about the opportunity that’s there to learn from the best. To be alongside the guy who’s won four world championships… that’s what’s exciting for me about the opportunity.”
Red Bull’s Next Move: A Balancing Act
As Red Bull heads into the 2024 season, the team faces a critical decision. They must identify a second driver capable of supporting Verstappen while also contributing to the Constructors’ Championship. Brundle noted that finding this balance is no small feat, particularly when paired with a driver as dominant as Verstappen.
With Lawson poised to take over from Perez, the team’s dynamics could shift significantly. Lawson’s readiness and hunger to learn could make him a strong complement to Verstappen, but the pressure of competing against a four-time World Champion will undoubtedly be immense.
Conclusion: The Verstappen Paradox
Max Verstappen’s brilliance continues to set new benchmarks in Formula 1, but it also presents Red Bull with unique challenges. As the team navigates these complexities, the next season promises to be a defining chapter in their quest to balance individual and team success.
With Liam Lawson potentially stepping into the spotlight, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if they can overcome the challenges of Verstappen’s dominance and reclaim their position at the top of the Constructors’ standings.
