Verstappen a different person: 'Driving more maturely'

Every setback at Ferrari in recent weeks has been punished harshly by Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen therefore has a 34-point lead over Charles Leclerc, while Red Bull has 80 points more than Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

More mature

According to analyst Jolyon Palmer, Red Bull's ruthlessness is partly due to Verstappen's driving. "Verstappen as reigning champion this year looks to be driving more maturely as well," he says on the site of Formula 1. "He’s happier to bide his time in the races rather than go for the win-or-bust approach he sometimes took last year."

The Brit also praises the Red Bull team because they always seem to make the right decisions. For example, he thinks of the strategy in Monaco and the good tyre management in Miami. "All in all, it makes Red Bull a factor of importance in the championship. I'm sure Ferrari is feeling the pressure of not having become constructors' champion since 2007, despite having been close many times since then."

Striking back quickly

According to Palmer, Ferrari is hoping for a big turn in the championships. Team boss Mattia Binotto would not say Canada should be won. But Ferrari would undoubtedly want to strike back quickly to show that they should be reckoned with, Palmer believes.