The recent verbal sparring between Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton surrounding the 7-time world champion’s alleged move to the Milton-Keynes-based outfit has taken a new turn. Horner, known for his outspoken nature, has turned the spotlight on Hamilton’s recent struggles to weave a cautionary tale for Red Bull despite their dominant 2023 season with Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive world title.

The echoes of the past come to the forefront as Horner draws parallels to Mercedes’ unexpected struggles in the last couple of seasons. In a sport where fortunes can change in a blink, the Red Bull team boss gives a sobering warning to Red Bull, emphasizing the need to learn from history and stay vigilant in the face of other top teams catching up to the might of the Red Bull and the Dutchman.

In a recent conversation, Horner took a candid jab at Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. He drew a parallel with the unexpected competition Mercedes faced by Red Bull in the 2021 season after utterly dominating in 2020. The focal of Horner’s argument lies in the potential vulnerability of any team, regardless of past successes. Horner asserts that Red Bull’s remarkable catch-up in 2021, followed by their success in the last two seasons, doesn’t guarantee a repeat performance in 2024.

“We saw that in 2020 with Mercedes. If you remember, that was their most dominant year ever, and yet, we were able to beat them in ’21,” motorsport.com quoted Horner. “There is a subtle rule change, but I think that nothing stands still. We’ve seen competitors coming closer at different venues, and I’m sure concepts will converge. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to repeat the season that we’ve had. But hopefully, we can take the lessons from RB19 and apply them to [RB]20 and come up with a car that we can defend these titles with,” Horner concluded.

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In the wake of going two full seasons without a win, Sir Lewis Hamilton recently shared his perspective on how tough it has been on him.

Lewis Hamilton admits self-doubt as Mercedes struggled to improve in 2023

Admitting moments of self-doubt, the seven-time world champion shed light on the challenges that haunted him throughout the year. In an interview with the BBC, Lewis Hamilton, who has been chasing his eighth title since the 2021 season, candidly discussed the tough season he faced with Mercedes. A couple of seasons without a win triggered questions within the 38-year-old driver, prompting introspection about his own capabilities and the performance of his car.

“I’m only human,” Hamilton confessed, dispelling the myth of invincibility that often surrounds sporting legends. “If anyone in the world tells you they don’t have those things, they’re in denial. We’re all human beings. When you have difficult seasons like this. There are always going to be moments when you’re like: ‘Is it me, or is it the car? Do you still have it? Has it gone?’,” he explained.

Acknowledging the team’s efforts to revamp for the upcoming season, Hamilton expressed hope but remained cautious. “I do believe we have a North Star now, which I don’t think we’ve had for two years. But still getting there is not a straight line,” said the 7-time world champion. “I think we understand the car so much better. They have developed great tools in the background. So, naturally, I’m hopeful. But I’m not going to hold my breath.”

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How do you perceive Red Bull’s chances in the upcoming season? Can Lewis Hamilton reclaim his dominance on the track? The stage is set for another exhilarating chapter in the saga of Formula 1. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.