29 February 2024 , 07:00
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Red Bull will again be going face-to-face with Ferrari for the 2024 F1 title, according to Martin Brundle.
The new season kicks off this weekend in Bahrain. Max Verstappen is the reigning world champion and will be aiming to make it four titles in a row.
Red Bull are also in pursuit of their third consecutive crown. Making his predictions, Sky Sports commentator Brundle has revealed that the reigning champions are his standout favourites once again, but will be pushed hard by Ferrari.
He said: "At the moment it looks like it's Red Bull with Ferrari chasing them hard, pretty much as we finished last year really. Then, from what I understand having spoken to various people since the test, it's Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren very close together, with all three hard on the heels of the Ferrari hopefully.
"Alpine and Haas seem to be struggling. Williams are doing ok but haven't yet made the step they want and have got to understand their new car.
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“Then you've got the RB and the Sauber teams looking pretty handy and possibly they might get in the mix. So that looks to be the pecking order as we go into the start of the season."
Away from the Constructors’ title, there is also plenty of talk over the current drivers and their futures. The headline move this term is Lewis Hamilton, who is set to complete a sensational move to Ferrari.
George Russell could be set for a big season, according to Martin Brundle (Getty Images)Who do you think will win this year's title? Share your predictions in the comments below
Brundle believes that the upcoming switch could potentially give Mercedes teammate George Russell the chance to shine, with the German side potentially set to prioritise him. He added: “George will come out of Lewis' shadow and I think it will do him the world of good, to be honest.
“I think the whole situation will energise Mercedes as well because they can get a young gun in and build for the future. That's what I presume they'll do for 2025, but who knows."
Away from Hamilton’s future, Brundle is also expecting plenty of surprises when it comes to the grid in general. He has praised McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as a “wonderful combination” and is expecting the pair to “drive each other on”.
Martin Brundle is expecting Carlos Sainz to be a "free spirit" this season (Getty Images)He is also anticipating “big things” from Carlos Sainz during his final year with Ferrari. Brundle believes he could be a “free spirit” throughout the season, so long as he does not get “desperate” to prove the Italian side wrong for letting him go.
Another man with a point to prove is Sergio Perez. Brundle is hopeful that he has regained his confidence and form ahead of the campaign.
Brundle has also given his thoughts on the rest of the line-up, who may potentially not be challenging for the Drivers’ Championship. He suggests that Alex Albon could potentially be questioning his future with Williams should they not make significant improvements.
Finally, he has also spoken out on Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso. Brundle has questioned whether the former has recaptured his “mojo”, while also inquiring if Alonso still has the motivation to compete into his 40s.
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