Hakkinen sees Verstappen in control: "Max seems to be really enjoying it"

Mika Hakkinen doesn't think Mercedes are going to be able to find several tenths on Red Bull Racing during the second Formula One weekend in Austria. The former F1 driver from Finland believes that everything in 2021 actually looks like it'll work out in favour of the Milton Keynes-based formation.

"What we have seen is that Red Bull and Honda have put everything into this season. A new engine and an aerodynamic package which takes advantage of the change in aerodynamic regulations introduced this year," said Hakkinen, who believes that the changes have certainly worked in favour of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. "That change has suited Red Bull’s design philosophy and worked against Mercedes.

According to Mercedes' drivers, the RB16B was around three tenths per lap faster. A serious fight on the Red Bull Ring therefore remained out of the question. "In the race Max was able to open up an early lead and control all the strategy options from the front," he said. Verstappen indicated on numerous occasions that he would prefer to win every race this way. "I used to love that kind of race because, while it is fun to race wheel-to-wheel, being in control and knowing that you have a fantastic car under you is such a nice feeling. Max seems to be really enjoying it!

Can Mercedes turn the tide?

Next week's Red Bull Ring will be driven around again and it sounds plausible that Verstappen will then once again have the best chance of winning at Red Bull's home circuit. "At the moment Mercedes seems to have no answer to this, and with only four days between the Styrian and Austrian Grand Prix, there is no reason to believe they can find a solution in time."