Red Bull had a dream run at the turn of the decade and won four consecutive championships from 2010 to 2013. However, Mercedes have taken over the baton during the hybrid era. The Brackley squad has dominated since 2014 and won the championship last season with a margin of 254 to Red Bull.

This season, the team has two strong drivers as Red Bull signed Sergio Perez to drive alongside Max Verstappen. In a recent interview, Red Bull supremo, Helmut Marko, explained that this is the best chance of closing the gap to Mercedes since 2013.

“Yes. But still, Mercedes remains a favourite,” replied Marko when asked if it is the biggest chance for Red Bull to win the title since 2013. “We assume that we have narrowed the gap to Mercedes. The first race will show how close we are. There has been good progress with the new engine.”

“All of this encourages us to believe that we don’t have to wait until the middle of the season to be in top form this time, but that we can be at the front right from the start – which in turn is a prerequisite if we want to compete for the World Cup,” he further added.

Red Bull is certain Perez will catch up quickly

Sergio Perez won his first race last season and was later signed by Red Bull for the 2021 season. Admittedly, it is not easy to control the RB16 beast. Helmut Marko was asked whether Perez will make mistakes at the beginning of the season.

“Pérez has been in Formula 1 for ten years and has seen all its ups and downs. He is aware of the great opportunity, there will be no-nonsense. His strengths in the race, especially in terms of tire management at high speed, will be similar. He will get used to it quickly,” said the Mexican.

Last season, Max Verstappen in his Red Bull was the sole driver putting pressure on the Silver Arrows. The Milton Keynes team won the season finale and Perez claimed his debut win in the last leg of the season. Do you believe the team will make the most of the momentum and win the championship this season?