Verstappen’s Reign and Red Bull’s Redemption: A 2024 F1 Preview
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion, stands at a crucial juncture in his career. Despite securing his fourth consecutive title in 2023, the season was far from the smooth dominance exhibited in previous years. Instead, Verstappen wrestled with a temperamental RB20, often described as an “undriveable monster,” a sentiment echoed by his then-teammate, Sergio Perez. The car’s unpredictable nature and persistent balance issues hampered Red Bull’s performance, ultimately costing them the Constructors’ Championship, which went to McLaren for the first time in 26 years. Verstappen’s individual brilliance shone through, securing multiple victories, but the team’s struggles highlighted a critical need for improvement.
The 2023 season saw a shift in the F1 landscape. Verstappen’s early dominance, marked by seven wins in the first ten races, gave way to a resurgence from McLaren and Ferrari. These rivals not only closed the performance gap but ultimately surpassed Red Bull, leaving the former champions in an unfamiliar third place in the Constructors’ standings. Red Bull’s engineers grappled with the RB20’s complexities, introducing upgrades that, unfortunately, exacerbated the existing balance and tire wear issues. Team Principal Christian Horner acknowledged the team’s over-complication of the car’s design, contrasting it with the simpler, more effective approaches taken by McLaren and Ferrari.
While Verstappen salvaged the Drivers’ Championship with his consistent point-scoring, even during a five-month winless drought, Perez’s performance faltered dramatically. The Mexican driver, who had secured a two-year contract extension earlier in the season, finished a disappointing eighth in the championship, his worst result since joining Red Bull in 2021. This underperformance played a significant role in Red Bull losing the constructors’ title, a bitter pill to swallow for a team accustomed to success. Perez’s struggles ultimately led to his early departure from the team, making way for Liam Lawson to partner Verstappen in 2024.
Verstappen’s perspective on his new teammate is pragmatic. He believes that the identity of his teammate is secondary to the performance of the car. His focus remains firmly on Red Bull’s ability to deliver a competitive machine in 2024. He expresses confidence that if the team can address the RB20’s weaknesses, particularly its balance and low-temperature performance, they can return to the front of the grid. He anticipates a fierce battle with at least five teams vying for top honors, acknowledging the narrowing performance margins in the sport. Verstappen’s confidence isn’t unfounded, given his exceptional driving skills and his past successes, but it’s clear he recognizes the importance of a well-performing car.
Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old New Zealander, steps into the formidable shoes of Verstappen’s teammate, a position previously held by drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and Sergio Perez. Lawson, who gained valuable experience substituting for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri in 2023, now faces the monumental task of supporting Verstappen’s title defense and contributing to Red Bull’s fight for the constructors’ championship. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has set ambitious targets for Lawson, expecting him to consistently perform within three-tenths of Verstappen in both qualifying and race pace. This benchmark, while challenging, is deemed crucial for maximizing the team’s points haul.
Lawson’s performance will undoubtedly be under intense scrutiny, particularly given the high-profile departures of his predecessors. While Verstappen acknowledges the qualities of former teammate Perez, particularly his loyalty, his primary concern lies with the car’s competitiveness. He understands that even with a strong teammate, a subpar car will severely limit their chances of success. Therefore, the onus lies on Red Bull’s engineers to deliver a car capable of challenging for both championships. The 2024 season promises a thrilling battle, with the outcome heavily dependent on Red Bull’s ability to rectify the shortcomings of the RB20 and provide both Verstappen and Lawson with a machine capable of fighting at the front. Verstappen may not explicitly need Lawson’s assistance to secure another Drivers’ title, but Red Bull undeniably needs both drivers performing at their peak to reclaim the Constructors’ crown. The pressure is on, and the 2024 season will reveal whether Red Bull can regain its dominance.
