Advantage for Red Bull competition: 'Helped by current regulations'

Mika Hakkinen reckons Red Bull Racing faces a tough season this calendar year. Although the Austrian formation seems confidently looking forward to the new racing year, the former Formula 1 driver expects regulations in the motorsport class to create more tension.

Last season, Ferrari started the year excellently, but Red Bull quickly grabbed the lead in both championships. Subsequently, the racing stable gloriously beat the competition. Next season, however, things could be completely different, according to Hakkinen.

Speaking to Spanish Mundo Deportivo he discusses the current situation in Formula 1 and gives Red Bull's competitors hope. "I am curious to see how teams that were unsuccessful last year can be helped by the current regulations to develop their cars for this year," he says.

Because of winning the constructors' championship, Red Bull will have less time in the wind tunnel in 2023. In addition, the team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez received a penalty from the FIA for exceeding the budget ceiling, further reducing the amount of time.

Hakkinen learned in the past that details in the car's aerodynamics make a big difference. "And now the current regulations give teams that were less successful than the winner the previous year more time to develop the cars in the wind tunnel. It will be interesting to see."