Gerhard Berger, former Formula 1 driver and former co-owner of the Toro Rosso team, took part in the Austrian motorsport program ServusTV last night and was asked questions about the situation in the championship, where the clear leaders have already been identified at this stage of the season – this is Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen.
“As you can see, it is useless to fight Max for the title. However, we have to admit that none of his rivals make such a strong impression,” said Berger.
Since Sergio Perez has also lost something against the background of Verstappen, talks have already started that the Mexican could be replaced by Daniel Riccardo.
“Daniel is a very experienced professional. But in general, Red Bull always tries to promote young drivers, which is why they gave Max a car when he was only 17 years old, the Austrian recalled. – On the other hand, it must be admitted that betting on Daniel could be a completely reliable option.
When we talk about his failures last year, nobody really understood why he was so unconvincing behind the wheel of a McLaren. But now he has the chance to test himself again in Red Bull Racing (talking about the upcoming Pirelli tests at Silverstone).
Although personally I am very optimistic about Liam Lawson. This New Zealander is a great driver and deserves a chance in F1.”
This season, Lawson is taking part in the Japanese Super Formula series and after the first five stages of the season, he takes 2nd place in the individual standings, he already has two wins and a pole position.
In 2023, all races that have already taken place ended with the victories of the Red Bull drivers, but Berger refrained from drawing parallels with the 1988 season, when McLaren drivers unconditionally dominated Formula 1. Subsequently, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won all but one Grand Prix: in Monza it was Gerhard, who played for Ferrari that season, who climbed to the top of the podium.
“Today there are 50 percent more races than in those days. Accordingly, it has become more difficult to do everything without making mistakes, – says the motorsport veteran – In terms of Red Bull Racing’s dominance, the importance of having specialists at the highest level cannot be overstated for so many years. Now this team simply exudes confidence and calmness, but at the same time does not allow itself complacency.
Ferrari this year regardless of the start of the season. Last season they had a great car and a fuel efficient engine. Then towards the end of the year, they got a little nervous and the personnel changes started there. But I wouldn’t underestimate the Scuderia. There are quite smart people working at Red Bull Racing and they are constantly asking themselves: what more needs to be done to keep the rivals behind?
Berger said a few words about Fernando Alonso, who is 3rd in the individual standings, just 9 points behind Perez: “Fernando is not better than before, he has always been very good! If he had been more lucky, he could have won six titles. It’s a real pleasure to watch him on the track. It is clear to see how he manages to predict the event during the race and analyze the actions of rivals. He doesn’t deserve two titles, but much more!”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
