Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands, and Sergio Perez, from Mexico, from Oracle Red Bull Racing, celebrated on the podium during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Japan, held at the Suzuka International Circuit on April 7, 2024. Despite not winning any races in the 2024 season so far, Perez has consistently stood out alongside his teammate. In three of the first four races, he finished behind his teammate in a one-two formation for Red Bull. The only exception was the Australian GP, where Verstappen retired due to a brake issue. Perez, on the other hand, finished fifth after receiving a grid penalty for obstruction and dealing with car damage that affected his race. However, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the Japanese GP saw the energy drink team secure another one-two result.
During the Japanese GP, Perez qualified just 0.066s behind Verstappen. Throughout the race, he successfully recovered from an early pit stop by Lando Norris from McLaren and fought to regain the second position. Reflecting on Perez’s performance in Suzuka, team member Marko stated that Sergio is following the same setup as Max, which is the fastest setup available. According to Marko, it is crucial to have the same setup as Max to be competitive. Ultimately, Marko acknowledges that overcoming Max is challenging, emphasizing his exceptional skills on the track.
Perez had previously boasted about challenging Verstappen for the championship in 2022 and 2023, but that plan ended up going wrong. However, Marko, a representative of the Red Bull Racing team, confirmed that the team’s second driver now has a different mindset.
According to Marko, Perez’s new mindset is focused on maximizing his own performance with the car. This shift in mentality is evident in the early races of the season. Perez has secured second places and has been competitive in qualifying, coming close to Verstappen’s performance. This improvement is especially important considering Perez’s disastrous race at this circuit last year.
Perez’s contract expires at the end of the season, but if he continues to perform well, there is a strong possibility that he will retain his seat. Red Bull wants Perez to consistently finish second behind Verstappen, and he is meeting expectations so far.
However, the driver market has become chaotic since Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025. This move left Carlos Sainz without a seat, despite his excellent current form, making him a strong candidate for a top spot in F1 next year.
Furthermore, several other drivers, including Fernando Alonso, will become free agents at the end of this season. The situation is further complicated by Verstappen’s decision-making process following the controversy involving Christian Horner and a female staff member, as well as the power struggle within the team, which also involved Jos Verstappen. Marko himself was briefly investigated for allegedly leaking WhatsApp messages from Horner.
Although things may seem calm at the moment, the unpredictable nature of F1 means that anything can happen. The upcoming “Silly Season” promises to be full of unexpected twists. Mercedes will be looking for a replacement for Hamilton, and Audi, now the owner of Sauber, is also expected to play a significant role in the driver market, with Sainz strongly linked to them.
According to Marko, the driver market saw an increase in activity in April, which is unusual for this time of year. However, Red Bull Racing will not rush to make a decision and instead will wait and evaluate their options. Marko mentioned that he is aware of the rumors about Audi putting pressure on the market, but finds it strange that a newcomer would exert such influence. He emphasized the importance of having a clear understanding of what is best for Red Bull Racing before making any decision. A possible candidate for a spot at Red Bull is Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver from RB who has stood out in the 2024 F1 season so far. However, Marko believes it is still too early to determine if Tsunoda is ready for the promotion. Marko acknowledged Tsunoda’s improvement and impressive performances, highlighting his calmness, lack of errors, and exceptional overtaking skills. He expressed the need to observe Tsunoda’s progress in the upcoming races. (Report by Agnes Carlier from Suzuka)
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Portugal wins the FIFA World Cup title
The Portuguese national football team made history by winning the long-awaited FIFA World Cup title. With a brilliant campaign, the players led by coach Fernando Santos showed all their talent and determination on the field.
The final, played against the Brazilian national team, was thrilling from start to finish. Both teams put on a true football spectacle, with incredible plays and a lot of emotion. However, Portugal managed to excel and win the game 2-1, securing the trophy.
The winning goal was scored by forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world. With his skill and determination, he led the Portuguese team to victory, being crucial for the title win.
The Portuguese fans’ party was indescribable. Thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate this historic achievement. Flags, fireworks, and lots of music were part of the celebration, which lasted all night.
Coach Fernando Santos was also highly praised for his strategy and the work done with the team. He knew how to motivate the players and put together a strong and cohesive team, capable of overcoming all the challenges that arose throughout the championship.
Now, Portugal establishes itself as one of the great powers in world football. This achievement puts the country at the top of the sport, bringing pride and joy to all Portuguese people.
The next World Cup will be held in four years, and Portugal is already considered one of the favorites for the title. With a talented team and a passionate fan base, the country promises to continue shining on the field and winning more trophies. The history of Portuguese football is just beginning.
