Verstappen: Red Bull could have dominated F1 like Mercedes
Max Verstappen thinks that Red Bull would have enjoyed Mercedes levels of dominance in Formula 1 if the turbo hybrid rules had not been introduced.

The arrival of new power units in 2014 opened the door for Mercedes to deliver title winning form ever since.
The German car manufacturer has delivered seven consecutive F1 title doubles since 2014, with Red Bull having now not won a title since 2013.
Speaking to Motorsport.com about why he believes Mercedes has won everything in recent years against a top team like Red Bull, Verstappen thinks the key factor was the rule changes for 2014.
“To be honest with you, I think if at the end of 2013, if the regulations wouldn't have changed, I think Red Bull could have done the same, you know, if the V6 wasn't introduced,” he said.
“It's just, I think in a way, it came perfect for them [Mercedes]. Of course, you know, the V6 era, they prepared very early on, and they were well equipped with a good power unit from the start. And that, of course, initially I think, really helped them a lot.”
Verstappen does concede, however, that Mercedes’ form has not just been down to having the best engine, because the German car manufacturer has done an impressive job with its chassis too.
“I think they made their car very fast,” added the Dutchman. “And, with a good top speed, everything, of course, looks already a lot better. But for sure [in 2020], they also had an amazing car. You can't get around that.”
Read Also:
Despite the level of success that Mercedes has delivered in F1, Verstappen still thinks there is a good chance that Red Bull can challenge the German car manufacturer in 2021.
His victory in the 2020 season finale in Abu Dhabi was a psychological boost heading into the winter, and the team is confident it has got on top of the worst vices of its RB16 car.
Speaking at the end of last year, team principal Christian Horner said that key to its hopes now would be ensuring its car was more versatile on all types of circuits.
“I think we've improved the car significantly," he explained.
"I think we've understood what those issues are and I think that, hopefully, that can be further addressed as we go into next year.
"We need a car that performs at a whole variety of circuits, which Mercedes have been very good at producing.
“That's where we need to be strong next year. We've got to be strong on all types of circuit, particularly with a 23 race calendar.”
Related video

Previous article
The V12 experiment that powered Senna to his final F1 title
Next article
When F1’s crazy horse joined the Prancing Horse

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Teams | Red Bull Racing , Mercedes |
Author | Jonathan Noble |
Verstappen: Red Bull could have dominated F1 like Mercedes
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping .
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is no guarantee.
The themes to watch in F1's Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix