F1 star admits Red Bull concern which affects the 'whole wide world'

Sergio Perez platica con Max Verstappen en Bahréin — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 star admits Red Bull concern which affects the 'whole wide world'

The Red Bull team have been a hot topic for several months now

Cal Gaunt

Wednesday 20 March 2024 09:57

As the new F1 season unfolds, Valtteri Bottas finds himself increasingly concerned by what he's witnessed in the opening two races of the season.

After witnessing Max Verstappen's commanding victories at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix, Bottas fears a déjà vu of the 2023 season, where Red Bull enjoyed an unchallenged reign.

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With Sergio Perez closely trailing his team-mate in a one-two finish at both races, Bottas is apprehensive about the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

Verstappen's potential to match his own win-streak record only adds to the anxiety, having secured nine consecutive victories since the 2023 Japanese GP.

Max Verstappen has comfortably won the opening two races of 2024

Valtteri Bottas is concerned by Red Bull's dominance

Bottas: Let's hope things change

As Bottas reflects on Red Bull's near-perfect performance, he grapples with the daunting prospect of a repeat scenario in the 2024 season.

“It’s been quite a clean sweep for the last two races for Red Bull and Max,” Bottas said, according to Sportskeeda. “So, it’s a bit concerning.

“Obviously, it doesn’t change our focus and our battles on track. But for the whole wide world, it could be a bit like last year. But let’s hope things change during the year.”

No drivers or teams have managed to get close to Red Bull so far this season

Verstappen dominated the 2024 Bahrain GP, winning from pole with a 22.457-second lead over Perez. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took P3, trailing by 25.110s, with Charles Leclerc in P4, 14.559s behind.

A week later at the Saudi Arabian GP, Leclerc was the top non-Red Bull driver in P3, 18.639s behind Verstappen. McLaren's Oscar Piastri followed in P4, 13.368s further back, while Perez, even with a five-second penalty, finished P2, 13.643s behind Verstappen.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Australian Grand Prix Valtteri Bottas