Ralf Schumacher names which top Formula 1 team ‘won’t play a big role’ in Baku

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull’s drop off in form have surprised everyone as the defending champions could lose both titles come the end of the season.

The Milton Keynes-based squad started the season as many expected, with three one-two finishes from the opening four rounds and Max Verstappen claiming seven wins in the first 10 races.

However, the final of those seven wins in Spain is the Dutchman’s latest victory, and he also has not taken pole position since Austria. With Red Bull’s rivals McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes making big strides to catch up, Christian Horner that Red Bull now have the fourth-fastest car on the grid.

This was made abundantly clear at Monza. Verstappen qualified down in seventh, on the same tenth as teammate Sergio Perez and almost seven tenths back on pole sitter Lando Norris.

The three-time defending champion did not have a response in the race as he came home in sixth, his lowest finish of the season. Norris has closed the gap in the standings to 62 points with eight races to go, while McLaren are only eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship.

Ralf Schumacher says Red Bull ‘won’t play a role for a while’

Speaking with Formel1.de, Ralf Schumacher gave his verdict on Red Bull heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The streets of Baku will present a new challenge to the Temple of Speed at Monza, but it’s long straights will be prove difficult for Red Bull, as they struggled for straight-line speed at the Italian Grand Prix compared to their rivals.

With McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes having better packages at the moment, Schumacher cannot see the defending champions competing in the near future.

“So, I think it’s more likely that it will happen,” he said. “So, Red Bull I think won’t play a big role for a while now, that’s my firm belief.

“So, I’m sorry for the team from Austria, I know it’s a shame, but that’s how it’s going to be, that’s just the way things are going.”

Can Red Bull defend their titles?

With Red Bull’s lack of performance and McLaren’s dramatic surge forwards, the former are under huge pressure to hold onto their title.

With such a small margin between the two teams in the constructors’ standings with eight races to go, the title seems all but set to fall into the hands of McLaren.

Sergio Perez’s performances have not helped the situation. Even before Red Bull’s drop in form, the Mexican has not finished in the top five since Miami and Perez could even lose his Red Bull seat before the end of the season.

But with Verstappen now struggling as well, the once unbeatable Red Bull is now on the verge of collapse as the 2024 season enters its final third.