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Formula 1: Surprise Red Bull announcement triggers curious change

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Formula 1: Surprise Red Bull announcement triggers curious change

As a seasoned Formula 1 fan with decades of watching races under my belt, I must admit that the recent performance of Red Bull and Sergio Perez has left me scratching my head. It feels like deja vu from the Gasly debacle in 2019, doesn’t it?

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast (or racing fan), I’ve heard whispers during the F1 summer break suggesting that Red Bull might part ways with Sergio Perez, even after recently inking a fresh two-year contract deal with the 34-year-old Mexican star.

As a gamer putting my strategy hat on, let me remind you that I stood by Pierre Gasly throughout the 2019 season, but midway through, I made a swap, choosing to go with Alex Albon instead.

In the last eight races, Perez hasn’t managed to place higher than seventh on the podium, while it appears that McLaren has consistently had a faster vehicle compared to Red Bull.

However, Max Verstappen, the current three-time defending world champion, is once more in the lead of the world championship, having amassed three victories over an eight-race span, without dropping below sixth place in any of those races.

In contrast to Perez, his position has dropped from second to seventh in the standings. Interestingly, he was previously ranked even lower among drivers from Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, just ahead of George Russell who was disqualified after winning the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday.

Over the last eight races, Perez has accumulated only 28 points compared to Verstappen’s impressive 141 points. Apart from Perez, the drivers with the least number of points during this period, hailing from Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari teams, are Russell, Leclerc, and Sainz Jr. (Sr.) from Ferrari. Remarkably, all three have scored an identical 79 points each.

Due to Perez’s difficulties, McLaren has been able to narrow the point difference with Red Bull significantly, now standing at just 42 points apart. In fact, they have surpassed Red Bull in seven out of the last eight races, amassing a total of 73 points during this period.

Before the Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren had been tipped as the top contenders for this season’s title at FanDuel Sportsbook for the first time this year. They were priced at $130 bet to win $100, with the two-time defending champions listed slightly lower at $110 bet to win $100.

McLaren have not won the constructor championship since 1998.

In the race held in Belgium, McLaren outscored Red Bull once more, although it’s crucial to note that Max Verstappen started from 11th position and managed to finish fourth, one place ahead of Norris who began from fourth. Despite being the quickest during qualifying, Verstappen was penalized with a ten-place grid penalty due to an engine change. This means he had to start further back than his actual qualifying position.

Currently, McLaren has become an even stronger contender for the constructor championship, with their chances being significantly increased to -185. On the other hand, Red Bull’s odds of winning have grown more lengthy and are now set at +120.

It appears that Red Bull officials convened following the Belgian Grand Prix and opted to keep Perez on their team, rather than finding a replacement during the summer break.

There was a common assumption that he might be swapped out for either Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull or their reserve driver, Liam Lawson.

It’s evident now that the public doubts Red Bull can maintain their first place in the constructor rankings with Perez and Verstappen both racing, although it’s important to note that Red Bull has historically been dedicated to keeping their drivers even if they decide to replace them mid-season.

It seems challenging to believe that Perez’s contract, extending until 2026, is inflexible in every aspect. However, there’s doubt about how rigid it is regarding the 2024 season. If it’s not fully secured, Red Bull might need to reconsider their recent choice before the current season concludes.

Periodically, the odds get updated and may vary. If you, or someone close to you, struggle with gambling, contact 1-800-GAMBLER for assistance.

Kick off your summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25! This is the 15th race out of an unprecedented 24 races scheduled for 2024. Tune in live on ESPN from Circuit Zandvoort starting at 8:55 a.m. ET. Don’t miss it, sign up for a free trial with FuboTV today!

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2024-08-02 14:32

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