Ahead of the penultimate race of the 2021 season, a year that has been a dogfight between two of the best and more fiercest racers on the current grid, Red Bull have made their point. They have shared and in no uncertain terms too, that they are not afraid, not one bit of Mercedes.
This is down to the fact that Mercedes’ main man, the driver who is contending for not one or two or even three, but an eighth world title, Sir Lewis Hamilton is all set to get an engine boost.
That’s right!
The above is no random or vague rumour; it’s actually the truth. And it is actually a mighty fine piece of news if you are a Mercedes fan, and well not such a fantastic development if you are a Red Bull aficionado.
But then, there’s a reason why Red Bull- bold and brave all throughout 2021- are not scared of Mercedes. And on reckons, it might not have to do with overconfidence; it’s perhaps got to do with the way Max Verstappen, nine race wins in 2021 alone, has been on the race track: fast, fierce and fearless!
Isn’t that what Max Verstappen truly is? Isn’t that what one actually comes to expect from a driver who goes on an all out attack (mode) when racing?
The above is, truth be told, exactly how Verstappen will be come the race at Saudi Arabia, a contest where, let it be reminded, Lewis Hamilton will be all set for a new engine boost.
Of late, if there’s been a driver who has been winning left, right and centre and brilliantly so then it’s Sir Lewis Hamilton. The victory in Senna-land, at Interlagos would surely have impressed the mighty Ayrton himself. Then came the magnificent win at Qatar. In both Grands Prix, Verstappen, still the championship leader finished twice.
In both races, Verstappen could do only as much as he bagged in the end. But now, it’s a new venue. A race that has never previously happened on the F1 calendar. So who will it be in the end?
Having said that an important note came in the public domain from the Mercedes stable. So what was it?
The following is what Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin, who says: “It is another unknown and we have seen pretty big swings of performance over the recent races.“
Famous British newspaper, the Independent confirmed the following development, something that does carry meaning and relevance for both F1 teams:
“Now, if we look at the track in Saudi, I think it should suit us. For Lewis, we have got the more powerful engine to go in the car so that is going to give him a useful boost.”
Having said that, what might happen come the forthcoming Saudi Arabia GP between Mercedes and Red Bull? Who will come up trumps? Will it be even stevens at the end of what could really be a fascinating contest or will it be the triumph of the driver we all want to win. And hey, no prizes for guessing. What will name dropping do after all, isn’t it?
It’s all to play for. Stay tuned for more on F1! So until lights out and away we go at Saudi Arabia GP!