'Someone More Competitive' Needed Alongside Verstappen In Red Bull According To Brown

Friday, 10 November 2023 at 23:00

Former Mercedes team principal and ex-F1 motorsport director Ross Brawn would like to see someone more competitive alongside Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez has been confirmed to drive for Red Bull in 2024, even after below-standard performances throughout the whole 2023 season.

On the other hand, multiple F1 fans and experts, including Ross Brawn, would like to see a driver change in the second Red Bull seat. The former Mercedes team principal told Talksport:

"What I’d love to see, quite frankly, is someone more competitive in the other car. Because, unfortunately, Sergio’s not putting up much competition for Max."

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The Mexican driver is currently 266 points behind the Flying Dutchman in equal machinery. Timo Glock recently said Perez has no chance against Verstappen. Brawn elaborated:

"And even when you get a dominant car, if you can have someone in the other car who’s giving them a hard time, and we think of Rosberg and Hamilton, that was a great year in a year when Mercedes were dominating."

Brawn believes the domination of the team from Milton Keynes won't last too long, with other teams like McLaren slowly catching up. He said:

"Even though they have this domination at the moment, you will see it in time. And we’re seeing little indications. I mean, McLaren with Norris and occasionally Piastri they’re knocking at the door, keeping them honest, let’s put it that way."

Many Formula One fans wish for a closer battle for the Championship. However, the Red Bull team that won both Championships five race weekends before the end of the season gets a headstart. Brawn explained:

"Over this winter, I’m optimistic there’ll be a reset. When you’re at the front, you have the advantage of being able to start the design of your new car earlier because you’re competitive enough, and that’s where that domination can sometimes run for several years."

On the other hand, if some other teams caught up to Red Bull and the team didn't have both drivers performing at the competitive level, the team could get into trouble next year.