Verstappen aims for a hat-trick in Melbourne amidst Red Bull turmoil.
Max Verstappen is poised to extend his winning streak to three races this season, emerging as the clear favorite for victory at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix. Despite the triumphs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Red Bull has been grappling with internal turmoil, casting a shadow over their recent successes.
Verstappen, the Dutch sensation and three-time world champion, led his teammate Sergio Perez in commanding fashion in the first two races. However, controversies surrounding team disunity and allegations against Red Bull boss Christian Horner have dominated the headlines.
Although Horner was cleared of misconduct allegations before the season opener, tensions within the team persist. An unnamed woman has appealed to Red Bull’s parent company and lodged a complaint with Formula One’s governing body, ensuring that the saga will continue to unfold in Melbourne.
Despite Red Bull’s recent dominance in the sport, with Verstappen clinching the last three drivers’ championships, concerns raised by Verstappen’s father and a veiled threat of departure from the star driver himself have added fuel to the fire. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed interest in acquiring Verstappen for the next season, highlighting the Dutchman’s value within the sport.
On the track, Verstappen’s momentum remains unmatched. With nine consecutive wins, he heads to Albert Park with high expectations, aiming to capitalize on his previous success in Australia. His closest rival, Perez, acknowledges Verstappen’s exceptional performance but remains determined to challenge him.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc seeks to disrupt Red Bull’s dominance, with teammate Carlos Sainz’s availability uncertain due to health issues. Mercedes, struggling to find their footing, faces an uphill battle to secure a victory, with their last win now 47 races ago.
As the tension builds in the paddock, all eyes are on Verstappen as he aims to solidify his position at the top of the standings amidst the ongoing drama within Red Bull.
With AFP
