Concerns at Mercedes: 'Then it would be worse off than Red Bull'

Formula 1 has made some major changes in recent years to make the sport more interesting to the public. The key point here is to bring the teams closer together, thus increasing the fight for the championship. Mercedes and Red Bull Racing take a different view in this discussion.

The new season is now three Grands Prix underway, but already the excitement is greater than in recent years. Where Mercedes had the best team in recent seasons, Red Bull has shown itself with Max Verstappen in 2021. Red Bull's rise seems to continue for the time being, which doesn't please Mercedes at all.

"As always, it's all about self-interest," analyzes Auto, Motor und Sport Thursday afternoon the battle behind the scenes. "Lewis Hamilton is even more expensive than Max Verstappen. If the salary were to be factored into the team budget after a certain point, Mercedes would be worse off than Red Bull. In terms of the engine, Red Bull would benefit from a leaner organisation."

Battle between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing

For the time being, we don't hear the teams talking about each other, but behind the scenes the battle is big. "Outwardly, both sides are still keeping quiet. When the microphones are off, both sides are fighting over who is the more attractive employer." As well as Ben Hodgkinson, Red Bull are also acquiring Steve Blewett, Omid Mostaghimi, Pip Clode, Anton Mayo and Steve Brodie from Mercedes.