Martin Brundle reckons F1 is now a Red Bull autocracy

The RB19 is unstoppable on track, having led the last 250 laps undisputedly

The dominant RB19 and Martin Brundle(Credits: The Guardian)

Red Bull Racing has transformed itself into a team synonymous with terms like victory, triumph and domination. Not only have they won eight out of as many races this year, they have also taken the top step in 18 of the last 19 F1 races. This is a testament to the engineering masterpiece that is the R19. Speaking to Sky Sports, Martin Brundle believes their dominance is so great that they could finish 1-2 from anywhere on the grid.

The only drivers to take the top step of the podium this year have donned Red Bull overalls, namely Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. These eight race wins also include four 1-2 finishes. Martin Brundle believes no starting grid position can hinder an inevitable Red Bull victory, with the substantial DRS advantage they boast.

He said, ” They are dominant, and it’s for the other teams and drivers to do a better job. With the DRS rear wing open the Red Bull is fundamentally much faster in top speed than the other nine teams, so much so that I suspect that wherever they start on the grid, and given no outside factors, they can finish one-two. Their speed is simply irresistible and that’s where the other teams must focus.”

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Brundle commended the impressive work accomplished by Red Bull, emphasizing that it is now the responsibility of other teams, such as Mercedes and Ferrari, to elevate their performance. He urged these teams to raise their game and catch up with Red Bull, posing a strong challenge.

The best example of Red Bull’s superior machinery was showcased at the Miami GP

Max Verstappen in the RB19 (Credits: The Independent)

Max Verstappen, the pole-favorite was forced to start all the way back at P9 on the grid after an unexpected red flag in the Q3 session of qualifying. His teammate, Sergio Perez was on pole, shifting the circumstances of victory in his favor. However, Max Verstappen had other plans. Nevertheless, the challenge posed by the field was evidently insufficient to deter the two-time world champion.

Verstappen showcased his absolute superiority by slicing through the competition like a hot knife through butter. His relentless pace resulted in exceptional lap times, and notably, he executed a breathtaking double overtake on both Ferrari and Haas, demonstrating his sheer brilliance on the track. The RB19, with an activated DRS , proved to be unrivaled on the track.

Red Bull's dominance shows no signs of stopping, with the team now having led every one of the 250 laps since lap 3 of the Azerbaijan GP ?

How long do you see that streak going? ?#F1 #CanadianGP pic.twitter.com/4Ll1o212Ox
— Autosport (@autosport) June 16, 2023

With this valuable asset at his disposal, Verstappen swiftly closed in on the leading pack. Among the contenders, his teammate Sergio Perez was the only one who presented a somewhat formidable challenge for the top position. The Mexican driver defended admirably. However, like the rest of the grid, he ultimately succumbed to Verstappen’s dominant performance.

To start a race in P9, and to finish with a lead of over five seconds just reiterates just how far ahead of the field Red Bull are. They boast a 69 point lead at the top in the drivers’ standings and a 154 point lead atop the constructors’ standings. They have well and truly established a new era of dominance after overthrowing Mercedes, and it looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.