Mika Hakkinen convinced Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance might end at Austrain GP

Mika Hakkinen was convinced that Mercedes and Aston Martin could give Max Verstappen and Red Bull a run for their money.

Mika Hakkinen convinced Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance might end at Austrain GP

Mika Hakkinen (image via InsideSport.in), Max Verstappen (image via Motorsport.com)

Max Verstappen has dominated the 2023 F1 season so far. The Dutchman has won six of the first eight races of the season in the all-conquering RB-19. The 25-year-old looks set on bringing home a third consecutive world title this season. However, former world champion Mika Hakkinen believes that Red Bull might finally lose a race to its rivals in its backyard in Austria.

The Finn was convinced that the second F1 Sprint weekend could shake things up in the pecking order. The Azerbaijan GP was the first sprint weekend of the season, with Charles Leclerc clinching pole position in the streets of Baku. Subsequently, Hakkinen seemed confident that F1 could finally see a different driver on the top step of the podium. He said, “That, combined with a good chance of rain, may create the opportunity for someone other than Max to win.”

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The former McLaren driver pointed out that Lewis Hamilton could go head-to-head against his arch-rival Fernando Alonso. Mercedes is confident that the Red Bull Ring could be a good weekend for the W14. As such, Aston Martin and Mercedes might battle it out if Verstappen and Red Bull are not in the running for the win. Mika stated, “Red Bull have won all eight races so far; maybe this is the weekend for change!”

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Mika Hakkinen excited about the Austrian GP

The 2023 Canadian GP podium, comprising of Fernando Alonso, Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton (image via GPFans)
The 2023 Canadian GP podium, comprising Fernando Alonso, Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton (image via GPFans)

The 54-year-old was adamant that the battle between Hamilton and Alonso had been an exciting affair. The sport witnesses a contest between the best drivers of the present generation. He continued, “It was great to see Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton on the podium with Max in Canada – three great World Champions together.”

Mika pointed out that Sergio Perez was losing out on the championship standings. Hamilton and Alonso are not far behind the Mexican driver. Hakkinen insisted that all the top teams need to maintain consistency in a bid to secure their position at the pecking order. Although, Verstappen remains the driver to beat for the rest of the grid.

Thus, Mika Hakkinen was convinced that the Austrian GP could be the race where a non-Red Bull driver emerges as the winner. Rival teams have been bringing major upgrades and could seize the opportunity. However, it remains to be seen if Milton Keynes faces stiff competition for the win at its home race.

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