Red Bull reveals severe ‘double blow’ that could cost them the F1 championship

Losing top spot

If it wasn't bad enough for Max Verstappen, Red Bull suffered significant blows at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, losing out on top spot in the Constructors' Championship.

McLaren

According to the Formula One website, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's McLaren duo finished fourth and first in Baku, putting their team 20 points ahead (476) of Red Bull (456) in the championship.

Drawing first blood

Things looked good for Red Bull after bolting a new floor to their RB20 car and drawing first blood in the opening practice. However, Sunday couldn't have been much worse.

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Sergio Perez

After a dreadful spell in the last couple of months, Red Bull's Sergio Pérez looked podium-bound but crashed on the final lap after hitting the wall.

10 points

The crash did allow Max Verstappen to move into fifth place on the grid after he complained about the lack of grip. However, he fell behind his championship rival Lando Norris after the Brit's tyre strategy was spot on. Red Bull finished with ten points.

Giving up on the Constructors’

According to PlanetF1, Helmut Marko, the director of the Red Bull team, believes his team won't regain top spot in the Constructors' Championship. After being asked if his team has given up on the title, he said, "To be honest, yes."

Singapore

Next is the Singapore Grand Prix, where Red Bull struggled last season despite their almighty dominance in 2023. Verstappen finished fifth, and Perez finished eighth.

"Massive setback"

Marko had hoped to use the race to "test" new parts, but the team may have to postpone after Perez's crash. The Red Bull director revealed, "It's a massive setback for us."

"Not in the form we planned"

Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko added: "We'll certainly be able to get the car ready, but not in the form we planned. The test we had planned for Singapore is now no longer possible. It's a massive setback."

No win in 7

Driver Max Verstappen still has a healthy 59-point lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship, but the Dutchman hasn't won in seven races.

Who’s a more significant threat?

In the past seven races, both McLaren drivers have outscored Verstappen, with Piastri gaining 135 points, Norris securing 104, and Verstappen getting 94. Is Piastri Verstappen's biggest threat?

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