F1 News: Sebastian Vettel issues surprise Red Bull domination verdict

Sebastian Vettel smiles as Max Verstappen looks on in shock — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Vettel issues surprise Red Bull domination verdict

Sebastian Vettel is happy if Max Verstappen returns to the top of Formula 1

Shay Rogers

Saturday 30 March 2024 19:42

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Sebastian Vettel has issued a surprise verdict on Red Bull’s mightily impressive domination of the Formula 1 grid.

The four-time champion knows a thing or two about domination having enjoyed an incredible four-season period between 2010 and 2013.

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Now Max Verstappen has enjoyed a similar spell of success, he has been compared to the German who made so many F1 fans desperate for closer competition with the Red Bulls of Vettel and Mark Webber.

Eventually the pack will close up on Verstappen, as was shown at the Australian Grand Prix – but it did take a mechanical failure for Sainz to win.

The last time Red Bull dominated the sport, it took for a change in technical regulations before they were thwarted, and there are two more seasons to play out before the rules change again in 2026.

Sebastian Vettel during his time at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has dominated the last few F1 seasons

Who does Sebastian Vettel want to see win?

Vettel has sympathised with fans who want to see closer racing, but issued a surprise statement regarding who he wants to see win this season.

“From a sporting perspective, we would all like it to be closer,” he told Sky Germany. “But the signs are good – this year, it seems to be closer. But I think that Max and Red Bull are still the favourites, again in Suzuka.

“You don’t know how Australia would have turned out – ifs and buts – that doesn’t matter. It was nice for Carlos and Ferrari [to get a win]. As I said, from a sporting point of view, it’s nice if a little more is happening.

“But with the dominance that Red Bull and especially Max continue to show, you shouldn’t forget the performance behind it. That can’t be emphasised enough. So, I’ll be happy if Max comes back to the top.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Australian Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel Mark Webber