Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has expressed his excitement about the thrilling battle for the 2024 Constructors’ Championship between McLaren and Red Bull. After several dominant seasons, Red Bull finds itself trailing McLaren by 41 points, and Massa believes the internal politics within the Red Bull camp are contributing to their struggles.
McLaren’s rapid rise in performance this season has placed them at the forefront of the championship race, overshadowing Red Bull, which had appeared nearly invincible since 2021. Red Bull’s mid-season decline has been marked by controversies and internal instability, which Massa believes could be hindering the team’s title aspirations.
“We have a team like McLaren doing an amazing job, which is the strongest team now,” said Massa. “They could maybe change the result of the championship – both championships. Max [Verstappen] is very strong, a massive talent, but what’s happening inside the team is not nice as well because politics and fights don’t help the work of the people inside the team.”
Massa’s comments reflect the growing tension within Red Bull. After years of dominance, the Milton Keynes-based squad has found itself vulnerable this season, with key departures from the team creating turbulence. While Max Verstappen continues to lead the drivers’ standings, Red Bull’s internal dynamics have raised concerns over their ability to fend off McLaren’s challenge in the Constructors’ Championship.
At the center of Red Bull’s struggles is Sergio Perez, whose form has been erratic throughout the 2024 season. With only 144 points to his name so far, Perez’s performance has come under scrutiny, and his future with the team appears uncertain. Team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged that Red Bull must assess their driver lineup moving forward, potentially looking to the junior ranks or outside the team for future talent.
“Obviously, we’ve got a contract with Sergio for next year, but you’ve always got to have an eye out for what comes next,” Horner stated. “Is that going to be Liam [Lawson]? Or do we need to look outside the pool? Or will one of the other juniors step up in the fullness of time? Whether it’s Isack Hadjar or Arvid Lindblad, we’ll need to evaluate.”
As Red Bull grapples with internal challenges, McLaren has taken full advantage, surging ahead in the standings. With six races remaining in the season, all eyes are on the title fight, and Massa’s excitement mirrors the anticipation felt across the paddock. The battle for the Constructors’ Championship remains wide open, and Red Bull’s response to McLaren’s charge will determine if they can reclaim their former glory or concede the crown to their rivals.
