Never Write Them Off

Red Bull is leading the way in the Formula One constructors championship after having won 3 races in a row which has taken 8 years to achieve since the last time that happened. Mercedes are a winning team having won the Constructors title for a record breaking 7 times in a row. A winning team doesn't just become bad overnight and my money is still on them to turn things around. The Germans are a professional outfit that few can live with over the course of a season and expect them to start getting things right.

So far this season we have had 7 races with Mercedes having won 3 against Red Bull's 4. Look at how Mercedes have messed up as a team over the last 3 races and Red Bull haven't really pulled ahead that much. 37 points is nothing in the big picture as one good weekend and that number is back to single figures.

Mercedes threw away points in Monaco and at Baku which would make the constructors table look a whole lot different. Who knows Mercedes could actually be leading as Monaco was big points that a stupid wheel gun could have cost Bottas the win or at worst a podium finish. Hamilton's error in Baku touching the magic button whilst taking the lead which ultimately cost his team 25 valuable points.

Red Bull had the right set up for the French Grand Prix opting for less down force than Mercedes. This was noticeable as Mercedes were quicker in the corners and slower on the straights. The Red Bull ring this week has only 7 corners which means the balance of the car will be crucial. Mercedes will not make the same mistake twice as they know this track as they have dominated this one over the last few years.

Rain is a good omen as Lewis Hamilton last season won pole by over 1.2 seconds in the rain. Max Verstappen has changed however and is now leading the Drivers Championship which makes you even more determined. Max is also good in the rain so this weekend is going to be a great battle. This title fight will all be about the number two drivers this season and how they perform so Bottas and Perez are the ones the teams are trying to push. Hamilton could win every race this season (unlikely) from here on in, but if Verstappen and Perez score big points consistently Red Bull will win the title.

Much has been made about the improvements to the downforce of the Red Bull car, but how true is that? We saw Max's tyre blow in Baku as they were running less pressure in the rear tyres which if they had the extra downforce everyone speaks about they wouldn't of had to do. I actually don't think they have any extra downforce advantage and their trickery playing with tyres was rumbled. I think Mercedes will have the edge as Red Bull have to keep improving to stay out in front which they are not used to that type of pressure. The experience and personnel that Mercedes has will give them the edge and why I say this race and the next they will win and they won't look back again this season. Red Bull's games with saying they had more down force has back fired as Mercedes will find the downforce required and why they will win again this season. You never provoke a championship winning team unless you are holding the trophy.