On factors scored alone, the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix was ’s equal worst race weekend of 2024. Not solely did lose 10 factors within the championship to Lando Norris, the staff have slipped to 3rd within the constructors’ standings behind Ferrari and McLaren and look more likely to keep there. The execution, although, was far worse than that.
To listing {the catalogue} of errors and embarrassments: Verstappen pushed even his personal interpretation of driving requirements to extremes, being penalised with two separate 10-second time penalties in incidents that Norris referred to as “anticipated” and “harmful”. Verstappen completed almost a minute down from winner Carlos Sainz – even with out the penalty that may have been almost 40 seconds.
In the meantime, the beleaguered Sergio Perez suffered arguably the bottom level of his Crimson Bull profession. Having did not make it past Q1 but once more, he stopped to this point ahead of his marks on the grid that he earned a five-second time penalty. As soon as the race started, – who may change him at Crimson Bull – ending up with a gap within the sidepod of his automotive. Crimson Bull introduced him in late on for recent tyres in an try to assert the quickest lap however even that failed; he was almost 0.9sec off Charles Leclerc’s benchmark as he completed final on the highway. All in his house race. Since his final podium in China, Perez has scored simply 65 factors in comparison with Verstappen’s 252.
Crimson Bull’s important droop ends a 12 months of turmoil for the staff, with Christian Horner being investigated for inappropriate behaviour and . But when all that was occurring Crimson Bull have been profitable races, now they give the impression of being to be the third quickest staff and have scored simply 104 factors for the reason that summer season break, in comparison with Ferrari’s 192 and McLaren’s 200.
You’ll be able to view this weekend one in every of two methods in the case of Crimson Bull’s latest type, with no win in 10 rounds having received seven of the primary 10. Both it is a blip from their latest mini-recovery that noticed Verstappen take second in Singapore and third (plus a dash win) in Austin. Or that revival was really a blip and so they have solely partially escaped the depths of their malaise, culminating of their worst weekend since Monaco.
The latter might be a practical evaluation, with Verstappen’s brilliance – – masking the staff’s longest winless run since 2020. Certainly, Verstappen’s on-track aggression is a direct results of the automotive not being ok as Ferrari and McLaren jumped forward. F1 may be very up and down for the time being, sure, however Crimson Bull are experiencing extra downs than ups.
One mercy is that Verstappen ought to nonetheless win the drivers’ championship, regardless of the Mexico setback. Certainly, if Norris manages to take 10 factors from his lead in Brazil later this week, then in Qatar and Las Vegas, the Dutchman will take a 17-point benefit into the ultimate race in Abu Dhabi. The second mercy is that Mercedes have slipped again out of competition for race victories too, making Verstappen’s job a bit simpler.
But even when Verstappen does declare a fourth successive championship for Crimson Bull, there ought to be critical concern on the staff. In 2025 the rules are largely a carry over from this 12 months which makes a leap in efficiency tough to realize. That is very true as we come in direction of the tip of the present regulation set, the place any breakthroughs are likely to grow to be smaller and smaller.
Given how tight it’s on the entrance, Crimson Bull are usually not doomed to failure however that 22.4sec win (a 1-2 end, no much less) within the season opener looks like a lifetime in the past. The present efficiency baseline will not be ok. If Verstappen is driving in addition to he’s and has solely scored 4 podiums within the final 10 rounds, what does that say in regards to the automotive?
One other perpetual concern is the mare’s nest that they’ve revamped who companions the Dutchman. It has been painfully clear for a 12 months that Perez doesn’t carry out to the extent the staff want anyplace close to usually sufficient. In 2022 and 2023 their benefit was sufficiently big and their rivals few sufficient that it made little distinction and so they received each championships comfortably.
This 12 months it could possibly be the distinction between them profitable the constructors’ championship and ending third in it. Heading into 2025 with query marks over the automotive’s growth and efficiency is worrying sufficient, however having one driver who seems like he must be put out of his distress is an issue that should be addressed.
Perez’s struggling alongside Verstappen might finish sooner relatively than later, with Lawson impressing within the sister RB automotive. But placing Lawson alongside Verstappen would repeat the identical errors they made when prematurely selling Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon. Partnering Verstappen can merely destroy a driver of any expertise. By the tip of the 12 months Lawson can have competed in simply 11 grands prix. The Kiwi might nicely find yourself being much better than Perez – and what have they obtained to lose? – however may as simply be out of a seat briefly order. The second seat at Crimson Bull will not be the place to be taught your craft.
It’s not too excessive to say that their resolution to move up on the skills of Mexico winner Sainz earlier this 12 months is insane. It may price them dearly subsequent 12 months in the event that they wish to stay championship contenders. Sure, Sainz might have ended up a bit too shut for consolation at instances to Verstappen, however consider the discomfort that Perez has brought on this season. And what’s the final purpose of the staff – profitable trophies or making certain that Verstappen has a straightforward trip?
