29 June 2023 , 06:00
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At a circuit which bears their name and boasting a 100 per cent record so far in 2023, few would bet against Red Bull taking another victory this weekend.
But not everyone thinks the Austrian Grand Prix will be another procession for Max Verstappen. Emerson Fittipaldi is among those who thinks we might see a genuine challenge to the defending champions.
Red Bull have won ever race so far this season. More than that, they have generally done so with ease – the RB19 has been head and shoulders above every other car on the grid.
And the same can be said for Verstappen. Team-mate Sergio Perez kept up with him for the first few rounds, but has dropped off in the last few weeks and now trails the double champion by 69 points.
The Mexican will desperately hope to stop the rot and get his season back on track at the Red Bull Ring. And Fittipaldi knows the pressure is on for the 33-year-old.
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"He doesn't need more motivation or confidence than what he has now but I hope Sergio Perez does well," the Brazilian double F1 champion told Wettfreunde. "Checo Perez has to get his act together. He needs results. He needs to perform.
"Motor racing, like any other sport, people don't remember three-four GPs, they remember the last Grand Prix. Racing has a very short memory. But I'm sure he'll run strong."
Emerson Fittipaldi thinks Mercedes could spring a surprise at the Austrian Grand Prix (Getty Images for Laureus)But Perez may not be the only threat to Verstappen in Spielberg this weekend. Fittipaldi thinks he has seen enough progress from the likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin in recent weeks to suggest Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso could be in contention if conditions go their way.
He added: "Austria could be an exciting race because the teams are getting more competitive and are balanced. If it rains, a lot of things can change. We could have a surprise from Mercedes because it looks like Lewis is coming back and they're getting the act together.
"When I hear Toto Wolff say that they have new upgrades for the next few Grands Prix, it won't be a big surprise if Mercedes run very strong now. Fernando will be contending for sure. He's been on the podium often this season and he's feeling very good and determined. The team will be putting in the effort."