As the lights have set over the Albert Park Circuit, the Australian Grand Prix’s conclusion has created one question and one question only? Are Red Bull beginning to feel the pressure?
After a dominant qualifying by three-time world champion, Max Verstappen secured pole position by two tenths to Carlos Sainz, the ball seemed to be in the court of Red Bull; seeking a third win of the season.
The Australian Grand Prix
Embed from Getty ImagesRace day and the Ferrari garage felt confident to challenge the raging bulls as their race simulation in practice was promising. Lights out and there was no holding back from the young Dutchman leading pack all the way down to Turn 3 with no resistance. But the Spaniard of Carlos Sainz stayed with Verstappen not allowing the Red Bull to run away.
Lap 2 and DRS now available, Carlos could now stretch the legs of the prancing horse and mount an attack. And with the gap under a second the Ferrari driver made his move on the outside of Turn 8 securing the lead of the Australian Grand Prix. But for how long could Sainz maintain his composure?
Lap 4, Verstappen staying within a second of the Ferrari had problems of his own. Out of Turn 4 the Red Bull started to develop smoke coming out of the back of the car. By Turn 8 the smoke grew larger coming from his right rear tyre, forcing the Red Bull driver to slow down at the start of sector 3. Limping back to the pit lane. But what was the cause?
Driving into the pit lane, Verstappen’s rear right brake exploded. Sheering off the tyre of cover as the fire marshals extinguished the fire as the Red Bull stopped in the pit box. Manufacture defect? Debris or tear off from the driver’s visor? Even the Milton Keynes team are stunned but unsure as to the brake failure.
Red Bull’s Damage Limitations
Embed from Getty ImagesFor Red Bull’s second driver Sergio Perez it was damage limitations. The Mexican Minister of Defence finished fifth behind the Ferrari’s and McLaren’s. Demonstrating that the teams from Woking and Maranello have closed the gap to Red Bull.
For Verstappen he stated in the press that “It was like driving with the handbrake on.”
And while Red Bull commiserated, the Ferrari’s celebrated a 1-2 finish ahead of McLaren driver Lando Norris.
Red Bull’s Woes Temporary or Permanent?
Embed from Getty ImagesRed Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, has insisted that they have had “A lot of lessons learned today.” With Sergio Perez crossing the line fifth without any mechanical issues, the team is confident that this issue is a minor setback that can be resolved for the Japanese Grand Prix to host Round 4 of the Formula 1 World Championship.
For the three-time world champion Max Verstappen, the pressure may begin to build. As the nearest rival, Charles Leclerc, is only four points behind. And with the constructors championship only separating Red Bull and Ferrari but just four points, the team from Milton Keynes cannot risk another DNF to lose out to the team from Maranello.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1, then why not check out If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? “The Albert Park Circuit: A Blend of Speed and Scenery” or “Could Max Verstappen Potentially Leave Red Bull Racing?”
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