As the Formula 1 season heads into the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finds himself in a strong position, holding a 78-point lead over his nearest competitor, Lando Norris, who has managed just one victory this year. Verstappen’s commanding lead is largely thanks to the inconsistency of his rivals, with victories being shared among drivers from Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren, while Verstappen remains Red Bull’s primary points scorer. This scenario has both advantages and drawbacks for the team based in Milton Keynes. While Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship remains secure, Sergio Perez’s underwhelming performance threatens Red Bull’s grasp on the Constructors’ Championship.
In the last six races, Perez has accumulated just 20 points, a stark contrast to the 80 points each earned by Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri. Last year, Verstappen’s dominance alone was enough to secure the Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull, as the competition lacked the depth to pose a significant challenge. However, this season is a different story. With both drivers from the other top teams—Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren—consistently scoring points, Red Bull’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship has been narrowed to just 24 points. This tight margin is causing concern for Christian Horner and his team, especially as Perez’s struggles continue to be a liability.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull’s rivals. McLaren CEO Zak Brown highlighted the importance of Perez’s performance in determining the outcome of the championship. “It’s going to come down to how Sergio Pérez performs,” Brown told the BBC. “If he can perform as he’s capable of performing, it’s going to be a hard fight. If he continues to perform as he has this year, we have a pretty good chance.” Despite Verstappen’s significant individual lead, Red Bull’s advantage in the Constructors’ Championship is much more precarious, with McLaren quickly closing in.
As the season progresses, Red Bull faces a dual challenge: maintaining Verstappen’s dominance while also ensuring Perez returns to form. The next few races will be crucial in determining whether Red Bull can keep both hands on the championship or if their rivals will capitalize on the team’s internal struggles. The Dutch Grand Prix, a home race for Verstappen, will be pivotal in shaping the remainder of the season.
