Toto Wolff, Mercedes Formula 1 CEO, is looking forward to a “much stronger” Red Bull in 2021. He believes Mercedes will have to work harder against duo of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen.
Red Bull has laid off Alexander Albon after a difficult F1 season this year. It opted for Mexican driver, Perez, who won a Sakhir Grand Prix in a stunning performance.
The Thai driver failed to impress the team with two podiums through out the season. He could not catch Verstappen’s performance, who managed to win two races and nine podiums.
Verstappen took third place at driver’s standing with 214 points. Albon only managed to score 105 points securing seventh position.
Lewis Hamilton, seven times world champion, appreciated the move of Red Bull. He believes that the team’s pair with Perez will be more competitive. It will require more effort from Mercedes to keep the constructor’s championship threat away.
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Wolff conceded to Hamilton’s assessment that Red Bull would challenge Mercedes damage in a more demanding way. Its ability will be enhanced from Honda’s power unit and the driver line-up.
“Definitely, I think Red Bull, with Perez, will be a much stronger opponent in terms of the constructors’ championship,” Wolff said.
“I reckon Sergio will be very strong. It will also be interesting to see how Perez holds up against Verstappen. It’s a new opponent.
“Otherwise, it’s a season with the same cars as last year. I think Honda will really step on the gas to compete for the championship in their last year as a manufacturer.
“That’s why it will be quite interesting.”
Perez out shined Albon’s last season with splendid performance. Despite an under-performing car and two missed races due to COVID-19, he took fourth position at driver’s standing.
The Mexican asserted himself with his maiden F1 victory. He made the most from Mercedes mistakes which led George Russel to secure his first victory.
Russel impressed many with his performance and provided Christian Horner to make comments. He appreciated Verstappen performance in a less competitive machinery.
“You can only judge the best if you let them race against each other,” Wolff said.
“We haven’t seen that yet. We haven’t seen Verstappen against Hamilton, we haven’t seen Russell against Hamilton, we haven’t seen [Charles] Leclerc in a top car.
“But the future belongs to the young. At some point they will race against each other with the same equipment and then we will see who is the best.”
