Arnoux warns Red Bull over Ferrari 2024 potential

Ex-Formula 1 driver Rene Arnoux believes Ferrari has a strong chance of winning the Constructors' Championship this season.

The seven-time Grand Prix pointed to a stronger line-up at the Italian squad as a key advantage over Red Bull in the title fight.

Over the last two seasons, Max Verstappen has been the stronger performer at Red Bull with team-mate Sergio Perez often struggling to unlock pace from his car.

The Mexican could not capitalise in Australia when Verstappen dropped out of the race with a brake issue, with Carlos Sainz securing his third career victory.

"Sainz really drove a fantastic weekend in Australia,” Arnoux told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Sure, Max Verstappen dropped out, but Ferrari was able to take full advantage of that.

“We already knew that Ferrari's car was faster than last year and we also see that they are much closer to Red Bull. We saw confirmation of that in Australia.

“They are not at Red Bull's level yet, but almost. However, it is also true that Red Bull has only one car sitting in front of the Ferraris.”

Step by step

Arnoux praised team principal Frederic Vasseur for his impact on the squad since his arrival last year.

"He has taken full advantage of the regulations in a short period of time. He has made his team even stronger and on the track he is gaining the tenths step by step.

“In addition, I also see that he is solving many of the problems he found.

“If they continue like this, then I think they can go for victories and from then on I wouldn't know why they couldn't also go for the title.”

Arnoux added if Ferrari can keep pressure on Red Bull, its line-up of Sainz and Charles Leclerc could usurp Red Bull to the Constructors' trophy.

"First of all, I hope that all those rumors about [inappropriate] behavior at Red Bull will now be over,” Arnoux said, referring to the situation revolving around team principal Christain Horner.

“I want to see a real duel. That's why I also like to see Ferrari taking away some of Red Bull's lead every time and being able to compete for the constructors' title.

That is possible because Perez is not really performing at a very high level right now.

“In fact, I think that if Ferrari does not run into major problems this season they almost have an even better chance of winning the constructors' title than Red Bull.”