SUMMARY
- Max Verstappen shows signs of weaknesses during the first practice session in Bahrain.
- Sergio Perez admits the RB20 isn't as powerful as the pundits' claims.
Ever since Red Bull uncovered its 2024 Formula 1 challenger, the RB20, a majority of the motorsport pundits have been reckoning that Max Verstappen would remain undefeated throughout the season. Furthermore, there was a wide round of applause for Red Bull’s greatest treasure and leading aerodynamics engineer, Adrian Newey, who had seemingly built a machine that none of the rivals could match.
However, heading into the opening race weekend in Bahrain, the high-flying optimism has taken a significant hit. Weirdly enough, the element of excitement that once engulfed the entire Red Bull garage has suddenly disappeared into thin air. What’s shocking is Sergio Perez’s subsequent statement during the press conference.
The Mexican, despite the minor grins, openly confessed that Red Bull’s RB20 is yet to live up to the ever-growing hype. Furthermore, Perez reckoned the Milton Keynes outfit might have a hard time keeping its rivals at bay this year, unlike the events that unfolded in 2023. Of course, the FP1 session at the Bahrain Grand Prix had a similar story to tell.
While Perez looked rather quiet, Verstappen had a tough time on the track with multiple issues. The Dutchman hardly looked comfortable at the wheel, and it was shocking enough to see him angry in what was the first session of the entire season.
Sergio Perez denies 2024 will be a smooth sail for Red Bull
Speaking to Ted Kravitz, Perez did not hesitate to downplay the hype surrounding Red Bull’s newest challenger. When asked if RB20 is miles faster than its rival challengers, the Red Bull driver said, “It’s no, unfortunately not. It’s fast, but not that fast.”
Asked about the RB20 being the fastest car on the grid, Sergio Perez told Theodore Kravitz: “It’s no, unfortunately not. It’s fast, but no that fast.”
Verstappen: “It’s all very promising, but you never coming into the weekend. I’m excited to get started and see where we’re at.”
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) February 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Verstappen had a contrasting answer in hand. The Dutchman said, “It’s all very promising, but you never know coming into the weekend. I’m excited to get started and see where we’re at.” While one can sense a bit of cheerfulness in Verstappen’s tone, the events that unfolded on Thursday afternoon in Bahrain only raise questions about Red Bull’s competency this year.
Who’s really playing the mind games here? Is Perez trying to hide the real power of Red Bull? Or is Verstappen hoping to keep the morale on the higher side, heading into what could be a tone-setter of 2024? Let’s see what the two race-winning drivers have in store for the Bahrain Grand Prix.