Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has said Mercedes should be considered favourites to win the 2021 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship despite the Dutch ace winning last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said he believes Red Bull have a strong chance of fighting for the title this upcoming season, especially with Verstappen having Sergio Perez as his new team-mate.
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“That is a very strong combination,” Wolff told Speedweek, commenting on Red Bull’s new driver line-up.
“Red Bull Racing actually had the fastest car at the end of last year, so the team is in the favourites’ circle in 2021, especially in the Constructors’ Championship, with drivers of this calibre.
“I see Red Bull Racing as a double challenge, so in both World Championship categories – drivers and teams,” the Silver Arrows boss added.
However, Verstappen has since said he believes Mercedes “had the most dominant car at the end of last season” despite him winning the season finale.
And the Dutch ace emphasised that, as they dominated both Championships from the get-go last year, they were able to start developing their 2021 challenger much sooner than other teams.
“Mercedes will start as favourite, they almost have to,” Verstappen said.
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