Max Verstappen Handed ‘Gun’ for Battle Against Leclerc With Upgraded RB18 in Australia

Max Verstappen endured a disappointing start to the season in Bahrain. Red Bull suffered issues with the fuel system and, as a result, he did not finish the race. However, he bounced back in Saudi Arabia after starting from P4. His victory marked his 21st race win in his Formula 1 career as he hopes to win his second Championship in 2022.

Verstappen’s early season races against Ferrari have been thrilling. The fans were on the edge of their seats and will hope for more such battles in the upcoming races. Ferrari’s reliability and pace means they are the team to beat this season. At the same time, Red Bull showed their potential in Jeddah, as they were quicker on the straights compared to Ferrari.

Racing driver Tom Coronel believes the weight disadvantage hampered Red Bull so far. But, they have reduced the weight of the car and are back on track, according to him.

Red Bull is ready to take the fight to Ferrari

Max Verstappen is already 20 points behind leader Charles Leclerc in his bid to win the Championship. Red Bull is also 41 points behind Ferrari and sits third behind Mercedes in the Constructors Championship. Tom Coronel says Verstappen has been fighting with a ‘knife’ compared to Leclerc’s ‘gun’, but after some upgrades in the two-week break, he feels they have the same weapon.

He said, “As far as I can see, the Ferrari has been the better car up to now. Max fought with a knife, Leclerc with a gun. Now they both have a gun. I knew they (Red Bull) had a handicap, but that is now solved as it should be. That is very good news. Max can now go into battle.”

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Reliability and weight of the car have been an issue, but Coronel states the Bulls have reduced the weight ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. He added, “I have heard from a very reliable source that they (Red Bull) have solved a good 75% of the problem in recent weeks.

“Around seven kilos has been removed from the car. I understand they have made the floor lighter and many other components a little lighter,” Coronel explained.

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Red Bull will certainly hope to take the command from the Australian Grand Prix. However, in Ferrari, they have able competitors who are also looking to end their championship drought. Many believe the battle between Verstappen and Leclerc will continue until the last race of the season. Can Red Bull overcome Ferrari’s challenge? It remains to be seen.