Before this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, Lando Norris identified Red Bull’s primary weakness and asserted that McLaren and Ferrari have an advantage over the Formula One champions.
Lando Norris was rebuked by Christian Horner after the McLaren driver said Red Bull didn’t have two drivers who could consistently deliver a strong performance.
In recent times, Red Bull has been the unchallenged leader of Formula One. Max Verstappen had the most dominant season in the history of the sport last year, shattering numerous single-season records.
Red Bull started this season largely in the same way, but in the last few weeks, things have evolved. Following a significant performance boost ahead of the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, McLaren has been gaining ground on their competitors.
This weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix may see Norris competing. Additionally, Ferrari is prepared to challenge Red Bull, with local hero Charles Leclerc appearing especially energized in the Principality.
In addition to Norris, McLaren will have the capable Oscar Piastri competing in his second Formula One season. Additionally, Ferrari can have faith in Carlos Sainz, who is the only driver other than Verstappen and Norris to have won a Grand Prix in 2024.
Red Bull cannot claim to have two trustworthy drivers, according to Norris. “I think we’re probably the team, along with Ferrari, that has two cars out there performing in every practice session, every race, and every qualifying round,” he remarked.
“A lot of the grid doesn’t really have that, if you look at it. One man has completed an incredible lap and is having a strong race, while the other isn’t doing as well.
“Having two cars up there and being able to compete well with Ferrari right now is one of our advantages. Therefore, yes, we can definitely stay in it if we continue doing that.”
Sky Sports asked Norris about his remarks to Red Bull team principal Horner prior to Saturday’s qualifying. In response, the 50-year-old leapt to Sergio Perez’s defense and expressed his belief in the Mexican to perform well when the team needed him to.
“They were as close as any of the other pairings, looking at that last session [FP3],” Horner remarked. Checo has been right there in the first six or so races of this year. We’ve seen one-two, one-three, and his third world championship victory. I therefore disagree with that.
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