Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen has backed the Red Bull drivers to finish first and second in the Drivers’ standings this year if Ferrari don’t improve its form soon.
Max Verstappen currently holds a sizeable 80-point lead over Charles Leclerc in the championship, while Sergio Perez is third, just five points down on Leclerc.
Ferrari has endured a difficult run of late, and was criticised heavily for its strategy calls in Hungary that saw Leclerc cross the line in sixth place, while Verstappen took his eighth victory of the 2022 season.
Writing in his column for Unibet, Hakkinen has warned Ferrari that it could lose out to both Red Bull drivers soon if it doesn’t better its performances.
“Of course Max Verstappen has the quickest, most consistent car, but the big picture on Sunday is that Russell, Leclerc, Sainz and Hamilton led at some point, and the way the cars can follow each other thanks to the ’22 regulations is very positive,” he said.
“There was so much happening and, when you consider Max even had a spin, I think 3 or 4 drivers could have won this race.
“Max’s win was very impressive because he had to start 10th and work his way through the traffic, but he did everything he needed to and the team gave him the right strategy to take the win.
“In some ways a victory like this shows just how much confidence Max has in himself and the car. Even when they hit problems they don’t panic, just focus on recovering quickly.
“Checo Perez’s good drive into 5th now puts him only 5 points behind Leclerc in the World Championship, so Red Bull are looking to turn this into a 1-2 result if Ferrari does not find a way to respond.”
Ferrari also sits a long way behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, with a 97-point gap existing between the two outfits.
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