Red Bull is bracing for a tough few weeks ahead! The reigning champions have already lost the lead in the constructors’ championship to McLaren, who have now pulled ahead by forty-one points. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are also on the rise. According to former champion Jenson Button, Red Bull should be more concerned about Ferrari than McLaren.
As McLaren continues to pull ahead in the championship, Ferrari is also making significant strides. The gap with Red Bull is now just thirty-four points. However, with six Grands Prix remaining on the calendar – including three sprint weekends – the title is far from decided. Yet, Button predicts that the current world champions should fear for their second place. He does expect Verstappen to win the title.
“It’s actually quite extreme,” said the former world champion in a Sky Sports podcast. “But it also shows how well Max Verstappen has done this year. I don’t see them beating McLaren now.” According to Button, Red Bull should be more concerned about Ferrari, which has scored significantly more points than the Austrians in the last five Grands Prix.
Unprecedented Scenario
“It’s very possible that Ferrari could still beat Red Bull,” Button continued. “I can’t remember the last time a driver won the title, but his team finished third in the constructors. But the chance of Red Bull losing to Ferrari is much greater than them beating McLaren.”
If we delve into the history books, we find that Button’s scenario has never occurred! Ten times a driver won the title without his team also taking the prize. The biggest difference was in 1982, when Keke Rosberg became champion, but Williams Ford only finished in fourth place. A driver in first place with his team in third has never happened before.
