Kravitz predicts Verstappen dominance will 'probably last until 2026'

Ted Kravitz struggles to see any team or driver challenging Red Bull and Max Verstappen until the next rule and regulation overhaul in 2026. Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the second-half of the 2022 F1 season and start as firm favoruites for the 2023 season following a week of testing in Bahrain. 

Verstappen is yet to win a race in Bahrain and experianced a painful DNF last year only to be made worse when teammate Sergio Perez also retired in the closing stages. The Dutchman then went on to win 15 races, four more than Lewis Hamilton ever managed to achieve in Mercedes' dominant years. 

Momentum

During the Sky Sports F1 podcast, the pundits discussed who could actually stop Red Bull Racing this year. Kravtiz takes a broader assessment of the situation within Formula 1 and makes a prediction. 

"There is a reasonably commonly held opinion amongst some people in the paddock that part of the reason why they changed the rules was to stop Mercedes dominace. That worked. Formula 1 and the FIA's stated aim was to improve the racing. It did do that to a large degree. But 2021, old rules, the championship is decided on the last lap. 2022 it is decided in Japan with four races to go so it didn't exacty close up the field," Kravitz said. 

"It meant that Red Bull got it right so much, that they are now favourites going in. That dominace I think will probably run until the next rule change in 2026."

The 2026 rule change is predominantly focused around the engine and introducing a more sustainable future in F1. During the winter break, Red Bull Racing announced they will team up Ford who are confident they will make progress. Audi will also be entering Formula 1.