Nine-time WRC Champion Sebastian Loeb claims non-Red Bulls cars can’t win a race in 2023

Fernando Alonso secured six podiums in the first half of the 2023 Formula One season.

Nine-time WRC Champion Sebastian Loeb claims non-Red Bulls cars can’t win a race in 2023

Max verstappen, Sergio Perez and Christian Horner (Via IMAGO)

In recent seasons, Red Bull Racing’s undeniable dominance has seen them outshine rivals. Max Verstappen‘s pivotal role as the driving force further propels their achievements. For the initial part of the season, Aston Martin was second-best after Red Bull. However, their form could not sustain. Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastian Loeb claims only Red Bull is fit to win a championship.

Sebastian Loeb mentioned that winning the championship is only possible if a team is associated with Red Bull. He noted that Formula 1 success goes beyond just the driver, and currently, not having a Red Bull connection makes it difficult to secure victory, particularly in the championship race. Loeb also acknowledged Fernando Alonso’s commendable efforts with Aston Martin, as they are actively competing against Ferrari and Mercedes.

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“If you are not Red Bull you cannot win the championship. In Formula 1, winning doesn’t just depend on the driver. Today if you don’t have a Red Bull you can’t win…at least the championship. But I think he’s doing a great job with Aston Martin: they’re in the fight with the Ferraris, the Mercedes… Still, anything can happen,” Sebastian Loeb stated, according to SoyMotor.

Also read: Ferrai boss Fred Vasseur claims Red Bull is the only team with a ‘number 1 driver’

Red Bull’s wind tunnel penalty could prove to be a major setback to the team

Red Bull’s RB19 (Image credit: Racingnews365)

The Milton Keynes-centered team faced repercussions as it received a 10% reduction in aero development time for the current season. Additionally, a $7 million fine was imposed due to its violation of the cost cap while contributing to Max Verstappen’s victory in the 2021 drivers’ championship.

Although the squad believes it has managed to mitigate the effects of the penalty in the initial development of the RB19, it acknowledges the impending challenges. Presently, the team based in Milton Keynes enjoys a substantial advantage. In the opening race of the 2023 season, Max Verstappen secured an impressive start, leading from the moment the lights went out and comfortably securing victory, marking his first win.

In contrast, Ferrari grappled with pace issues and wrestled with reliability concerns, while Mercedes encountered challenges in the midfield battles. Conversely, Aston Martin emerged as the solitary team that executed substantial upgrades, setting them apart. Yet, as we look forward, the upcoming season will require teams to implement advancements to their vehicles.

In this aspect, Red Bull raises apprehensions about possible drawbacks as they navigate through the evolving competition landscape. They are sustaining the championship contention until the closing race stands as another challenge. That being said, Red Bull might have already built up enough momentum to clinch both titles well before the final races unfold.

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