Red Bull Internal Battle Could Hand Title To Ferrari

Red Bull Internal Battle Could Hand Title To Ferrari
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 and the rest of the field into the first corner at the start of the race prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202403240224 // Usage for editorial use only //
Red Bull Internal Battle Could Hand Title To Ferrari
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 and the rest of the field into the first corner at the start of the race prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202403240224 // Usage for editorial use only //

The internal strife at Red Bull could help Ferrari to truly challenge for the 2024 world championships.

That is the view of Rene Arnoux, who drove for the fabled Maranello based team in the 80s.

The Frenchman, now 75, says Ferrari have enjoyed a strong start to the new season.

“They are much closer to Red Bull,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Not quite at Red Bull’s level, but almost.

“But also true is that Red Bull only has one car at the front, because (Sergio) Perez is a number two – sometimes even number 3! He often disappears.”

In Melbourne, Max Verstappen had his first technical breakdown in two full years – a stuck rear brake. Arnoux thinks it’s possible Red Bull has been disturbed by the off-track turmoil involving a management power struggle and the Christian Horner scandal.

“I am for Ferrari,” Arnoux admits, “but first of all I hope that the mess and intrigue at Red Bull is over, because I want to see a real duel.

“I don’t want Ferrari to beat them because of things like that. On the other hand, I hope they can at least fight for the constructors’ title, also because Perez does not operate at a very high level.

“In fact, I think that if Ferrari doesn’t have any major problems this season, they almost have a better chance now than Red Bull.”

But even the drivers’ title may not be out of reach, Arnoux insists – and a large part of that turnaround could be because fellow Frenchman Frederic Vasseur is now at the helm.

“If he continues like this,” Arnoux said, referring to Sainz, “I think he can get more wins soon, and if he gets more wins, I don’t see why he shouldn’t go for the championship.”

As for Vasseur, Arnoux was asked if a prerequisite for Ferrari success in the modern era is a Frenchman at the helm – like Vasseur’s predecessor Jean Todt.

“I don’t know if that’s right, but it’s a tradition I like,” he smiled. “I was very lucky in my career to have not driven for an English team. Of course I’m joking.

“In a short time, he (Vasseur) has made optimal use of the existing regulations. He showed that he values his staff and that he can strengthen them. Slowly but surely he gains tenths on the track.

“Above all, I see him solving many of the problems he has encountered so far,” Arnoux said.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

F1 Grand Prix Of Canada

McLaren Driver Equality Is ‘Playing With Fire’

As far as championship leader Oscar Piastri is concerned, he ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Austria Previews

Max Verstappen Explains Ongoing F1 Media Attitude

Max Verstappen giggled to the Dutch media as he explained ...
Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly Called Management After Shock CEO Exit

Pierre Gasly says he followed through on contacting management after ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Singapore Final Practice

Sergio Pérez Claims Red Bull Regrets Dropping Him

Pérez says Red Bull “very sorry” for ending his contract, ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Canada

Verstappen, Wolff Not Fans Of Le Mans Rules

Toto Wolff has joined Formula 1 rival Max Verstappen in ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle