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Opinion: Red Bull will finish the season in 3rd if they don't get a 1-2 on Sunday

Opinion: Red Bull will finish the season in 3rd if they don't get a 1-2 on Sunday

25-05-2018 09:58
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Red Bull have to come away from Monaco with the full 43 points. If they don't, they have already finished third in the 2018 constructors championship. I'm not saying they are guaranteed not to finish third if Ricciardo and Verstappen claim 1st and 2nd, but it will make a battle. 

Red Bull are currently 46 points behind Ferrari and many more behind the leading Mercedes. Red Bull, as we've already seen during yesterday's practice sessions, are dominant around Monaco. Their car suits the circuit and it's a great opportunity for them to do well. And they must not blow this chance. 

Let's be honest. They will undoubtedly score enough points to finish inside the top 3 come November. They face no threat from McLaren or Renault. It's all about staying in contention with the big guns. 

If they fail on Sunday, they will be out of that battle with the big guns for the next 6 months at the very least. There's nowhere near enough tracks that suit their car, not enough slow corners, or circuits where engine limitation is removed.

The Austrian Grand Prix, where Red Bull are traditionally strong at, their home Grand Prix, is another track where they simply have to perform if they want to fight for second place. That's all they will be able to muster even if they do get full points this weekend. 

Who knows? It might be a good thing for the sport long term if they lose out this weekend. Christian Horner's men can start preparing for 2019, take a look at the regulation changes as early as possible and develop a competitive car. They could also sort out engines almost straight away. 

But if Red Bull want 2018, want to make a fight in 2018, they better not mess this weekend up.