With 2024 on the cards, many pundits, including Red Bull insiders like Christian Horner don’t predict that 2024 will be as dominant as the previous year. Almost every single one up and down the paddock thinks that the lap times will close in, making it difficult for Red Bull to win the championship in 2024.
However, despite rumors of Ferrari and Mercedes getting better, many of the fans think that until 2026, when the regulations change, Red Bull’s domination will continue. The Adrian Newey-led team has been doing a wonderful job, and all signs indicate that this will carry on towards the next season as well. Even former Austrian racing driver with 10 Grand Prix victories next to his name, Gerhard Berger, is predicting that Red Bull will win the championship in 2024 as well.
Red Bull will have no competition in 2024 despite comments from Christian Horner, Helmut Marko
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Both Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are quite vocal in playing down Red Bull’s chances in 2024. Both of them, on several occasions, talked about the rest of the cars bunching up more, leading to a more competitive season up top in 2024.
“Nobody stands still. We’ve got a great basis, so it’s more evolution than revolution. But I’m sure it’s going to converge a bit next year, so we can’t rest on our laurels,” Christian Horner commented. “They are all great teams. McLaren’s form at the back of the season, Ferrari, Mercedes. Those big teams are going to be coming out all guns blazing next year.”
However, despite this, Gerhard Berger thinks that these comments are made by the leadership team to soak down the pressure for an amazing 2024. During an exclusive interview with Krone, while discussing Helmut Marko and the leadership team Berger was asked to give his opinion on the statement made by Helmut Marko. “Speaking of Helmut Marko. He told the “Krone” in Abu Dhabi that from the point of view of logic, the lap times will move closer together in the coming season.” Berger responded, “Such statements are typical. Helmut tries to take some pressure out of the boiler. Personally, I also see black for all of Red Bull Racing’s competition next year.”
The 10-time Grand Prix winner doesn’t see any competitors closing the gap to Red Bull in 2024 agreeing with Lewis Hamilton who had earlier expressed how Red Bull has an enormous development lead. “That’s just the language of Formula 1, in order to be able to start the new year with less pressure. Even though I see Red Bull as the clear favorite, Formula 1 is always good for a surprise and something can always happen. In any case, I’m really looking forward to 2024,” added the 64-year-old.
Read more: “Max Verstappen Doesn’t Need Him”: F1 Winner Questions Helmut Marko’s Redundant Red Bull Role
However, despite these comments, there are signs of a good ’24 from other teams as well, who are all working very hard to close the gap with Red Bull.
Will Mercedes and Ferrari come roaring in front?
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Just because the Austrian constructors had a dominant 2023, the other constructors have not given up. Yes, Max Verstappen and the RB-19 were a force to be reckoned with, but unless Red Bull manages to find a completely rejuvenated Sergio Perez, they might be in trouble.
Both Mercedes and Ferrari have made a huge leap forward, at least according to the respective teams, and are confident about an amazing 2024. Especially with Ferrari fighting with both drivers coming off from a very good form, having finished in almost equal points, they might be giving the Milton-Keynes outfit a run for the money.
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However, only after Bahrain’s testing will we know the true merits of the car, and if the potential title fight holds any merit.