Who annoys Verstappen?: New problems for Red Bull team boss Horner

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The 2024 World Cup favorite is known: Max Verstappen (26) on Red Bull Honda. But there are two questions: which of the four other top teams annoys the Dutch the most? And very subtly: can team boss Christian Horner (50) still celebrate the next victories (113 in 369 races so far)? The English newspaper ‘Daily Mail’ headlined on Saturday: ‘Spice Girl Geri’s husband must face accusations of sexual messages.’ The GP owners Liberty Media and the upcoming new engine partner Ford (both from the strict America) are also putting pressure on them. But as long as Red Bull does not comment on the case from Salzburg, the presumption of innocence remains valid.

Who will be the first Red Bull fighter?

Back to question 1: With a lead of more than 450 championship points (!) over the bulls, Mercedes and Ferrari fought for the second title until the last race. The Reds’ final sprint came too late, three points were missing: 406:409. Ferrari has now secured Hamilton’s services for 2025. A delicate situation that accompanies both teams during the longest season. An opportunity for McLaren-Mercedes, which only took 17 of a total of 302 points in the first seven races of 2023? Both drivers, Norris (13 podium finishes) and Piastri (sprint success in Doha) are more than ready for their first GP victory.

Will Alonso change?

Aston Martin-Mercedes must also be counted among the bull hunters – as a clear outsider, of course. Fernando Alonso (42) is central there. A year ago, the Spaniard was on the podium five times in the first six races! Now he is the center of speculation: will he move to Mercedes or even Red Bull in 2025? “I would ideally like to continue building Aston Martin. But I have to wait and see how things develop. My advantage: I am the only world champion besides Lewis and Max!”

Without Alonso, the ‘Greens’ would slip into midfield. But beware: in 2026, when Honda comes over from Red Bull, there will hardly be room for Alonso! Because the Japanese have not yet forgotten their three-year McLaren period from 2015 to 2017 with Alonso. At the time, the ‘stinker’ had repeatedly described the Honda power as a weak Formula 2 engine. Three fifth places in three years had cost Alonso his last nerve. After five years at Ferrari with three runner-up titles from Honda, he hoped for a miracle. With 378 races, he is now the first driver to break the 400 barrier.

Source : Blick