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Max Verstappen Given Stern Warning Against Charles Leclerc Amid Haunting British GP Memories: “Back to Square One”

Published 06/28/2022, 5:20 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has claimed something big! While many believe that the season belongs to Max Verstappen and Red Bull, the Dutchman feels they still have a long way to go. Initially, with 2 DNFs, the Austrian team was troubled. However, they somehow caught up with and dethroned the Ferrari team, who had gotten off to a flyer.

Red Bull sits atop the driver’s and constructor’s standings, and their job in maintaining their position has been made easier with the Maranello camp’s Power unit issues or strategy blunders. The Austrian constructor has now already amassed a massive 76-point lead over the Italian team. And from the looks of it, they might manage to keep the momentum until the end.

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However, Doornbos does believe things can still turn around for Charles Leclerc. In an interview, he revealed, “In Formula 1 , it can be different every weekend. If Max falls out twice, we’re back to square one. It’s unpredictable. He certainly has a generous margin. But it’s not over until you can theoretically no longer be overtaken.” (quotes translated using Google)

Red Bull has acquired a faster version of their car through developments at this stage. Though initially, the F1-75 presented a huge challenge to them, the Italian team has been losing out on their pace advantage. However, the Monegasque is still very much in contention for a win in this three-legged race.

Ferrari Admits Fast F1 Car Alone Won’t Bring Wins Amid Strategic Blunder at Monaco GP

For the past few GPs, a close fight between the two fierce teams has ensued. A Ferrari- Red Bull cat-and-mouse chase has been the highlight of the season. However, the Bulls have emerged victorious on a consistent basis, with the F1-75 failing to catch up for some reason or the other.

Engine at the limit for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as well?

Ferrari and customer teams have faced engine problems, even taking a grid penalty for Leclerc. The team has seen mechanical DNFs in Australia, Spain, and Baku. Further, Haas also saw the latest mechanical DNF during the Canadian Grand Prix. This proves that the engine is at the limit for Ferrari.

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via Reuters

Doornbos is convinced that Red Bull might face a similar issue. He said, “But if four Italian-made engines fail in one race, as in Baku, then as a Ferrari you really have a problem. I think Ferrari did everything they could to be there this year. They are clearly at the limit, but so are they at Red Bull.”

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Notably, Verstappen also crashed at Silverstone last year. With the memories of the past and the British Grand Prix as the next race, the pressure will be on him to defeat his rivals.

Can Red Bull complete the season smoothly, or will something take away their lead?

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Written by:

Khyati Yadav

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Khyati Yadav is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. She is a Hospitality Graduate and a huge fan of Lando Norris. She believes that F1 as a sport deserves a lot more attention and is intrigued by the process that goes behind the making of a car and the hard work that goes into the setting up of any Grand Prix.
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Edited by:

Reubyn Coutinho