Red Bull Racing and their talented driver Max Verstappen have emerged as the early favorites under the new Formula One regulations. As the season approaches, Verstappen highlighted how teams that perform poorly following regulation changes often struggle to recover, leaving them behind the leaders. In an interview with Viaplay, he discussed how Red Bull themselves had faced a similar challenge during the previous era of regulations.
Verstappen explained that it is always a difficult task to catch up when a team falls behind, saying, “When you get it wrong, you really have to reinvent and try again, and you’re always behind, and then you have to try and catch up.” He went on to highlight how it had taken Red Bull several years to challenge Mercedes during the previous set of regulations.
The F1 regulations are often changed to prevent one team from dominating the sport for an extended period. The current regulations have been introduced with the aim of leveling the playing field, and to encourage close competition among the teams. Despite this, Verstappen suggested that teams are still playing catch-up under the new rules, stating, “Maybe with these regulations, it is less complex, but you are still on the backfoot and you need to catch up.”
Red Bull’s early success under the new regulations is evident. They won the constructors’ championship in 2022, with Verstappen finishing as the champion. Red Bull is hoping to carry this form into the new season, but Verstappen emphasized that there is always room for improvement. He noted, “While they try to catch up, we’re also trying to improve, so that’s what we have to try and keep doing and hopefully show that again [in 2023].”
While Red Bull may have gained an early advantage, it is important to remember that the new regulations have been designed to promote close competition among the teams. It remains to be seen if Red Bull can maintain their early form or if other teams will catch up and challenge for the championship.
Looking ahead to the new season, Red Bull has been busy developing their car, hoping to build on their success from last year. Verstappen has been working tirelessly in the off-season, spending time in the simulator and working with his team to ensure that he is in peak physical condition for the first race of the season.
Verstappen has a reputation as one of the most talented drivers in F1, with many pundits tipping him to retain his championship. He has shown himself to be quick and consistent, with an unwavering determination to win. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Red Bull to see if they can maintain their dominance.
