The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner responded to the concerns raised by Max Verstappen on the fight for the drivers' title contested with Lando Norris who is 70 points behind, also criticizing Stefano Domenicali for his predictions on the 2024 World Championship which, however, are radically changing after the last races.
Red Bull's crisis: five races without victories
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has broken his silence after a period of crisis that surprised many, including his own team. Red Bull, used to dominating, now finds itself having to deal with an unexpected reality: there are five consecutive games without a win. This drop in performance, unthinkable at the start of the season, culminated at the Dutch GP, where Lando Norris and McLaren dominated, sparking concerns in the Red Bull garage.
Max Verstappen, who seemed destined to dominate 2024, did not hide his anxiety. “Obviously, Max is worried, and that's understandable.”, Horner admitted. “But we also need to look at the big picture. We are still leading the championship, with an advantage that allows us to be optimistic. These five races have been difficult, but there is no reason to panic. We have faced similar challenges in the past and have come out stronger."
The rise of McLaren and the "true" value of Norris according to Christian Horner
The Dutch GP marked a turning point, with Lando Norris and McLaren shining, obtaining a clear victory that shook the balance of the championship. However, Horner wanted to tone down the enthusiasm around the young British talent and the Woking team. “Let's look at the numbers“, Horner declared with a firm tone. “Norris won two races. Only two. It's a great result, but that doesn't make him a real world title contender, at least not yet. McLaren did a great job, but we must not forget that the championship is long and unpredictable."
Horner thus underlines the need to maintain calm and trust in the potential of Red Bull and Verstappen, without however underestimating a rapidly rising opponent. McLaren may continue to improve, but for Horner, his team's experience is still a key factor.
The response to Domenicali: unfounded concerns?
Christian Horner did not hesitate to respond to the statements of Stefano Domenicali, F1 number one, who at the beginning of the year had expressed concerns about a possible domination of Red Bull in 2024, fearing an already decided "World Championship 2023 2.0". “At the beginning of the year, there were those who complained about the gap between us and the rest of the group,” Horner said, referring to Domenicali. “Now, halfway through the season, it seems like the story has changed. McLaren has closed the gap, but we shouldn't get too excited. The championship is still long, and the predictions made months ago have turned out to be decidedly premature."
A season still to be decided
With the championship entering its crucial phase, Horner knows well that the battle is not only played out on the track, but also on a mental level. “The world championship is still open,” he declared, implying that Red Bull has no intention of giving up. “We have to stay focused and work hard, without taking anything for granted.”
The championship, however, is not only fought on the track. Even at Fanta F1 this uncertain season full of surprises has made the championship more unpredictable and fun. Red Bull dominated the first part of the season, but now finds itself facing a McLaren in full ascendancy and a Verstappen worried about the future. The question that arises spontaneously is: has the world championship really reopened, or will Horner and Red Bull be able to regain control of the situation? The next races will be decisive to understand who will be the real protagonist of this 2024.
Source statements: Motorsport.com
