They are not that relaxed, the cool guys in Formula 1. Not even the fastest.
When Max Verstappen returned to the paddock on Sunday beaming from the majestic ceremony for the winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, he did not want to resist a remark: “We will give the answers on the track,” he said with an affirmative smile: “We like it that way me that."
Anno Hecker
Responsible editor for sports.
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First in the Principality, first in the Formula 1 drivers 'championship, first with Red Bull in the constructors' championship.
The 23-year-old Dutchman was never familiar with this uplifting feeling.
For a moment, his racing team is reminded of glorious times.
You were eight years ago.
With his first win in the city-state ahead of Carlos Sainz jr.
(Ferrari) and Lando Norris in the McLaren in view of a Mercedes weakness at all levels, the challengers feel it is their turn: "Actions", added Verstappen, "always say louder than words."
Already a turning point?
In this case, figures show the tension that has built up in just five of the 23 planned Grand Prix for the new season. Verstappen leads the title fight with three points in front of world champion Lewis Hamilton (101), with one Mercedes is behind Red Bull (149). The world championship team behind? That was three years ago. There is already talk of a turning point. Because Hamilton didn't get the corner in Monaco, only finished seventh in qualifying practice and in the race, behind the famous Sebastian Vettel (5th) in the significantly slower Aston Martin? The seven-time champion grumbled on Saturday and Sunday about the technical and strategic work of his crew. "Guys, that won't work," he called over the radio.
Only his engineers will know whether Sir Lewis struck the right note. Two things are certain: Hamilton could not keep the pace of his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes could not fulfill the core task. The pit crew, said team principal Toto Wolff, tried an hour after the race to separate the right front tire from the sad Finn's Silver Arrow. End instead of second for the second man in a promising position. Wolff would probably have given half a principality if, while attempting the obligatory tire change on Bottas' car, someone finally yelled: 'We've got one bike off!'
Crazy Formula 1 world. Red Bull can swap all fours in 1.9 seconds. It could be that the slapstick of a unfortunate Mercedes mechanic has tremendous long-term effects. Because the duel between drivers and teams does not forgive any mistakes this year. Not even the slightly tilted use of the impact wrench when loosening the wheel nut. All corners sanded off, then it is only round. A symbolic image for the increased speeds in the game with the psyche of the other.