8 Races completed, 7 podiums and 4 wins. After claiming Red Bull F1 Team's first back to back wins since to 2013, The Styrian Grand Prix conclusion showed a clear reminisance of old times for the Milton Keyes based team. A superstar driver leading the championship, a win at Monaco, a strong teamate and certaintly beyond doubt, a fast race car. Max Verstappen and Red Bull seemed to be unstoppable in 2021 as they push to change the power shift in Formula 1.
It was back in 2014 Interlagos, Brazil. It was a treacherous wet Practise session, and 16 year old Max Verstappen is drifting his Toro Rosso around Mergulho. A moment to remember for those watching a young F1 upcomer prove he can handle a Formula 1 car. Less than 2 years later the then 18 years and and 228 day old Max Verstappen wins his first F1 Grand Prix at the Spainish GP after defending off Kimi Raikkonen for the majority of the latter part of the race. Many would argue it was only because of the Mercedes crash between rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg that handed him the victory. Lets not to mention to controversial driver switch between Verstappen and Danil Kyvat that sent Max to the Red Bull senior team. However he delivered, and he delivered with results from literally his first race for the team. That standard has placed the Dutch driver in the top tier of motorsports and in pole position, in the best car to achieve all Formula 1 Drivers World Championship.
This championship fight has just begun. With the season scheduled for 23 races, its best not to rule out a Mercedes come back later in the season. Lewis Hamilton can get his hands on his 8th Drivers Championship if he does win the title this year. But this years Red Bull and Max Verstappen are looking to knock Lewis off his perch this year and recapture F1 glory in 2021. Beating the Mercedes to pole position has showed the Red Bulls strength over the last two races. With 4 wins in a row overtaking Lewis in France on a 2 stop strategy and the sheer dominace at the Styrian GP, clearly identifies that at the moment Red Bull F1 is the team that sets the pace.
Can Mercedes place blame on Valteri Bottas? Does it seem as if the Finn driver has lost overall pace?We all want to see Valteri Bottas win more races and ultimately challenge Lewis to the title. Do we not? But inconsistant form and mediorce performancs may compare Bottas' results to a mid level F1 team. One would hope these concerns aren't hindering Mercedes F1 Team to progress foward in developing their race car to compete against the Red Bull of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Thus being said, the perfect team mate. Sergio Perez has found his rhythm and has proved that he is the right driver in the right team. Following his maiden win for his new team, Perez has been driving like a Red Bull worthy driver. Scoring valuable points including with a 3rd place podium finish in La Castellette. Sergio Perez has proven a key asset to Red Bull's title hopes and might just be delivering the performances needed to develop the car to help its blistering pace.
An exception to the rule. Max Verstappens rise to F1 may have been paved for him in many ways. Some find that controversial some may find it unfair. He may be the prodigal son of Formula 1 icon Jos Verstappen who race in F1 from 1994-2003. But when you debut in Formula 1 at 16 years, winner at 18 ,competing in a championship team and challenging one on the greatest F1 drivers in history to a F1 drivers crown. I believe Max Verstappen is an exception to the rule. But will he win this years F1 Drivers Championship?
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