Opinion: Is Trouble On The Horizon At Red Bull?

It could very well be. After Sergio Perez's dominant drive to victory at this year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, tension was felt throughout the Red Bull camp as the team packed up and looked ahead to the next race weekend in Australia. Media outlets, however, were going crazy with the prospect of an intense rivalry forming between the two Red Bull drivers, with many predicting that it may not be happy families at the team for much longer. But this isn't the first time tensions have been felt between Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen. How long will it be until things really boil over?

Up until recently things have been relatively calm at the team that is dominating the 2023 season. Perez, the obvious number two driver, most notably helped Verstappen to his first world championship in 2021. The following year, 2022, the cracks started to show.

It was Q3 during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix. Verstappen was on a hot lap that was looking good enough for pole. Perez, on the other hand, had already posted a quick time before spinning and crashing during his final attempt, bringing out the red flag and ultimately ending the session prematurely. Due to Perez out-qualifying Verstappen, rumours began to circulate that he (Perez) crashed deliberately. The media also started to report that Perez admitted his deliberate mistake to Red Bull team principal; Christian Horner, although this hasn't ever been confirmed. If true, this would later come back to haunt Perez during the Brazilian Grand Prix when Verstappen ignored team orders; supposedly as an act of revenge, to swap places with him on the last lap, a move that eventually cost Perez 2nd position in the World Drivers Championship. Regardless, even though Perez's "deliberate" crash is just a rumour, it looks to have caused quite a bit of friction between the teammates that has translated over to 2023 with Verstappen "stealing" Perez's fastest lap after the team gave them both a set pace at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This irritated Perez to the point of confronting his teammate in the cool down room infront of the cameras. Awkard. But, are we looking too much into this? It's possible.

It's no secret that Verstappen is the main driver at Red Bull. With back to back World Championships and 36 victories to date, he sets the bar quite high when it comes to teammate rivalries. However, during his time with the Red Bull team, he hasn't necessarily ever been paired with a driver who can compete at his level giving him number one driver status and a huge influence within the team. Come 2023 and things are changing. Red Bull are dominating Formula One and Perez seems to be on good form, despite inconsistencies in previous seasons. Verstappen, on the other hand, is still as strong as ever but it seems as if Perez will try his hardest not to let Verstappen walk away with this season's championship. A deleted tweet from the Mexican driver after his Saudi Arabian victory said:

“It was harder than I thought. But in the end I am happy to achieve my fifth victory in F1. We are going to keep pushing very hard, I want to be a champion.” @SChecoPerez

Of course Perez would like to be champion. Every Formula One driver would like to be champion but after re-posting the above tweet later on, although without the "I want to be champion"line, you can't help but wonder; has the team already intervened?

Regardless, it seems pretty obvious to your average Joe that Perez has no interest in helping Verstappen to championship number three in '23. A lot has happened between the two in the past year and a relationship between them is pretty "non-existent." And, right now, Perez sees an opportunity, possible his only opportunity, to win. The main difference between a champion and good racing driver is selfishness, a quality Verstappen carries well and one we may start to see from Perez on a regular basis.

If Perez can remain consistent and take the battle to Verstappen then things will take a bigger turn in the wrong direction. And, with the amount of influence Verstappen has on the Red Bull team, it could mean trouble for Perez. Should it be like this though? With a such a dominant car shouldn't both drivers be entitled to race for the championship? As we've seen in the past, most recently with Mercedes, two teammates fighting for the championship very rarely has a happy ending. Challenges are definitely on the horizon for Red Bull. Will they reign the teammates in or let it play out? Time will tell but it's looking to be very interesting.

Race Report: Saudi Arabia 2023

Race number two of the 2023 season has been and gone and things didn't really play out as everyone expected. With Red Bull in a world of their own and the Aston Martin's looking speedy, a repeat of the Bahrain Grand Prix was on the horizon. But, this wasn't to be, exactly. So, what did happen in Saudi Arabia? Read on to find out!

Drama during a race weekend in Saudi Arabia isn't unheard of. And, like previous years, it all kicked off during Saturday's qualifying, this time when Max Verstappen's driveshaft failed in Q2 leaving him in P15 for Sunday's race. This was the big story going into Sunday and everyone was eagerly anticipating what the Dutch driver could achieve from here. His teammate; Sergio Perez, would be starting on pole, with Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin beside him in P2.

Race day was upon us with all the cars lined up on the grid ready for their formation lap. Lewis Hamilton and Logan Sargeant would start the race on hard tyres, whereas Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris would go for the opposite - softs. Everyone else opted for mediums. Once the formation lap was complete; it was "lights out and away we go!"

Both Perez and Alonso had quick reactions when getting off the line but ultimately it was Alonso who took the lead into the first corner. His teammate, Lance Stroll, was also making up ground when he overtook the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz for 4th. However, it wasn't a clean start for everyone. Oscar Piastri damaged the front wing of his McLaren and had to pit for a new one at the end of the opening lap.

Onto Lap 2 and Alonso's hard work during the opening lap was about to be undone. He had received a 5 second penalty for being in the wrong position in his grid slot at the start of the race. If you remember, this also caught Esteban Ocon out in Bahrain. Down towards the back end of the field McLaren's woes continued. This time it was Norris in for a pit stop, also with a damaged front wing.

Leclerc, who started out of position down in 12th, was slowly making his way through the field. By lap 7 he had climbed to 8th and was starting to eye up a move on the Mercedes of Hamilton who, on lap 9, would receive a black and white flag for weaving on the start/finish straight. Verstappen was a little further behind Leclerc and Hamilton. On lap 8 passed Zhou Guanyu for the last points paying position in 10th.

After retaking first position on lap 5, Perez found himself out front with a comfortable lead. Alonso stays within DRS range but is no threat to the Red Bull. However, Hamilton, who had been passed by Leclerc, was not as comfortable and was heard complaining over team radio that "the grip sucks on this tyre."

Lap 14 comes around with drivers starting to pit. And, despite Hamilton's complaints about the hard tyre, the majority of drivers now find themselves on it as softs simply wouldn't make it to the end. Ferrari does an excellent job pitting their drivers as both of them manage to jump Stroll in the standings. However, things go from bad to worse for the Aston Martin driver when he's told to pull aside and stop. And, despite pulling into a safe position, the Safety Car is out, triggering even more pitstops including Fernando Alonso who would need to serve his 5 second penalty.

The race is quick to restart after the "unnecessary" safety car period. Perez is still out front with Alonso in P2. George Russell in his Mercedes is in third while Verstappen has climbed all the way to 4th and is waiting to pounce on the top three. Hamilton seems to be more content on the medium tyres and quickly moves into 5th after dispatching the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz. On lap 23, Verstappen makes his move on Russell and finds himself in a podium position. Two laps later, he's up to P2.

Back down the other end of the field, it's the Williams of Alex Albon that is starting to cause problems. With a potential brake issue, the Thai driver slowly limps back to the pits, keeping out of the way of other drivers and ultimately retiring from the race. And, although still running, things aren't much better for Ferrari who have hardly any pace on the hard tyres. In fact, they were going half a lap slower than both of the Mercedes who were in front. This leads Leclerc to say over team radio; "being behind like this is really ****, I don't know what to do."

Perez still has a comfortable lead over teammate; Verstappen, with 5 seconds splitting the two. Both drivers were responding well to one another by consistently setting the fastest laps. A battle that would decided who would be the championship leader. Things couldn't be more different for Haas driver; Nico Hulkenberg, however, who, on lap 35, goes off into a wonder and brushes the wall.

15 laps to go and Verstappen starts to complain about a weird noise that he can hear when driving at high speed. The team reassure him that everything is ok but Verstappen doesn't seem to sure when he anxiously replies over team radio. It then isn't long before Perez also comes onto the team radio complaining of a long break pedal. Again, Red Bull seem happy with how both cars are working.

5 laps to go and things are looking extremely good for Perez who is about to convert his pole to a win for the first time in his F1 career. A battle has brewed down in the midfield between Yuki Tsunoda and Kevin Magnussen over 10th place, with the Dane taking the position from Tsunoda on lap 46. At the back, both McLarens are fighting over the last few positions, but it's Valtteri Bottas bringing up the rear in his Alfa Romeo.

Things a get a little bit confusing in the latter stages of the race when Russell receives a radio message about a possible impending penalty for Alonso who is still running in 3rd. Aston Martin also come onto the radio advising their driver to create a bigger buffer between himself and Russell. Alonso responds well to this, but so does Russell who tells his team that he is "pushing like a mad man."

The chequered flag is flying and Sergio Perez wins in Saudi Arabia. Verstappen finishes in 2nd with the fastest lap. Alonso fends off Russell to finish the podium line up, his 100th in F1. Hamilton finishes 5th with Sainz in 6th and Leclerc in 7th. Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and Kevin Magnussen round up the points.

However, the drama isn't done with yet, as during the podium celebrations it's confirmed that Alonso is indeed under investigation for serving his 5 second penalty incorrectly. News quickly breaks that the Spaniard has been slapped with a 10 second penalty, dropping him into 4th position with Russell getting promoted to 3rd. UPDATE: Alonso regains 3rd position and his 100th podium stands.

So, there we have it. We were all expecting another Verstappen win today but instead got to see Perez's true potential. Verstappen still leads the championship but by only one point to Perez. Are things about to get spicy between the Red Bull drivers? Can Alonso bounce back from his penalties? And, what about Ferrari? It wasn't too good for them out there today. Well, a two week break is now upon us. See you in Australia.

Ten Of My Favourite F1 Moments

Today is my 28th birthday and I'm reminiscing. I have watched Formula One for a very long time and throughout those years there have been some excellent moments. Whether it's the wheel to wheel racing or the off track antics, there have been many. So I've asked myself "which of these are my favourite?" Keep reading on to find out.

(The below points are in not any particular order. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

1) Brazil GP 2012

The twentieth and final round of the 2012 season took place in Brazil and was one of the most thrilling races in modern-day F1 history. Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso were still in the title fight and one of them would finish the race as a world champion. After a race with mixed-conditions and safety cars, Vettel took the championship win, his third in F1.

The race received many positive reviews with it being described as a "rollercoaster," "spectacular" and "historic." With it's dramatic nature, the 2012 Brazilian GP was definitely one for the history books.

2) Carlos Sainz First Pole and Win

As a self-proclaimed Carlos Sainz "hypewoman," this F1 moment HAD to make the list. And, to make it even more special; I was there in the crowd for his first pole.

The 2022 British Grand Prix was to be Sainz's 150th race start in F1 and after a wet qualifying session he took pole by 0,034 seconds. Max Verstappen would start alongside him in 2nd. During the race, Verstappen overtook him for the lead. But, after the Red Bull driver sustained damage, Sainz took the lead back. After pitting for soft tyres in the closing laps, Sainz regained the lead once again therefore taking his maiden win in Formula One and ending his winless streak which was the second highest in F1 history.

3) Montoya and the Deer

Radio transmissions are the easiest way for drivers to communicate to their team while out on track. And, lucky for us, we sometimes get to hear these messages when broadcast on TV. Most of the time they are just informative and gives fans an insight into the communications between team and driver. However, sometimes they are pure gold.

Let's rewind to the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix. It's practice and Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya is out on track. He wasn't the only person, or "living thing" out on track, however. A deer had got onto the circuit and was jumping around. Cue Montoya's radio:

Engineer: “We’ve seen a deer on the circuit. We believe it’s somewhere on the circuit, so just come in cautiously.”

Montoya: “OH DEER”.

Engineer [missing the joke completely]: “It’s like a horse with horns” (!)

Montoya: “I know, I know. Oh deer. Hahahahahaha.”

Just brilliant.

4) Rowan Atkinson

Celebrities make regular appearances at Formula One race weekends and it was no different in 2011 at the Indian Grand Prix when Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr Bean, spent the weekend with McLaren. It was during this weekend that one of F1's best reactions was born.

Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa were battling out on track when things got a bit hairy. Atkinson first started to look nervous before his emotion dramatically changed to frustration when Hamilton and Massa collided. All this was caught on camera and broadcast live to the joy of millions. I expect Atkinson wasn't being intentionally funny but thanks to his background as Mr Bean, you couldn't help but chuckle.

5) 2013 Belgian GP Press Conference

Like radio transmissions, the press conferences are a regular part of an F1 weekend. And, although they are usually serious, some questions can, at times, provide us with entertainment.

For example, take the Belgian GP press conference in 2013 which included Jean-Eric Vergne, Giedo Van Der Garde, Sebastian Vettel, Jules Bianchi, Charles Pic and Romain Grosjean. Grosjean hadn't long become a father for the first time and the question was put out for the others. "For everyone except Romain, are you ready to become a father?" Among the chuckles and nervousness of the other drivers there were many answers that gave us a good laugh. From "it doesn't take long to get the job done" to "we are still in free practice," the answers were hilarious. It's one press conference we wont be forgetting about any time soon.

6) Vettel vs Alonso - Italy 2011 and 2012

The Italian GP in 2011 and 2012 was remarkable based on the fact that each race had an identical incident involving the same drivers, Vettel and Alonso, two years in a row.

Both incidents took place on the Curve Grande section of the Monza circuit. In 2011, Vettel was the brave man taking Alonso on the outside line at over 180mph. However, Alonso pushed him and his outside wheels touched the dirt. In 2012, it was vice versa. The only difference? Vettel got penalized in 2012 for pushing Alonso off.

Was all this just a coincidence? Who knows.

7) Vettel's First Win

Sebastian Vettel may be a four time F1 World Champion but like all champions his first win had to come somewhere.

It was in 2008 at a rain-soaked Italian Grand Prix. Vettel started on pole in his Toro Rosso behind the safety car and eventually won the race becoming the youngest Formula One race winner at the time. What made Vettel's win impressive was the wet conditions the race took place in and the inferior F1 car he took to victory. It was no surprise that only a few years later he won his fourth World Championship.

8) 2005 USA GP

There have been some mere strange moments in F1 history but nothing like the 2005 USA Grand Prix which has been described as the most "notorious race in F1."

After a number of incidents earlier on in the F1 weekend, tyre supplier Michelin advised it's customers to reduce speed in Turn 13 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This was because in 2005 teams could not change tyres during a race and the Michelin spec tyres were not going to last the race distance. Eventually, teams running the Michelin tyres boycotted the race and only a total of six cars competed that day with Michael Schumacher taking the race win.

9) Italy GP Qualifying 2019

"Everyone looked like idiots." This qualifying session will definitely go down in F1 history.

Monza is known for it's fast speeds and the ability for teams to create tows for their drivers. Unfortunately, it was the tows that was the root cause of the Italian GP Q3 mess. Nobody wanted to be out on track without that tow. Once everyone was out on the track there was a lot of dangerous and unnecessary slow driving. No one wanted to be first across the line. However, during all the dawdling, time was ticking and eventually Sainz was the only driver to reach the line in time to start his lap. Charles Leclerc, who didn't reach the line in time, was on pole.

10) Hamilton's 7 World Drivers Championships

I'll be honest, I'm not much of a Hamilton fan but you can't deny, his achievements are incredible which is why he has made this list.

After witnessing only a few of Schumacher's World Driver Championships, I didn't think we'd ever see anything of his caliber in F1 again. Cue, Hamilton and Mercedes. And this time, I have managed to witness all 7. Something I feel incredibly lucky to admit. Will we see it again? I'm sure Verstappen could challenge this in the future.

So, there we have it - ten of my favourite F1 moments. Although, there were plenty more I could add to the list. Honorable mentions include:

• Verstappen's first championship

• Kevin Magnussen's pole

• Schumacher vs Alonso

Are there anymore you can think of? Do you agree with mine? Let me know in the comments below.