JAKE PAUL and Mike Tyson have been backed to bring boxing viewing figures into the multimillions for the first time since Muhammad Ali’s days.
The YouTuber-turned boxer and heavyweight icon are set to collide in a mammoth showdown on July 20 in Texas.
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Mike Tyson and Jake Paul put friendship aside to fight on July 20Credit: @jakepaul
And among the several talking points surrounding the controversial fight for the ages is that it will be shown on Netflix.
As of 2024, the streaming service has 260.28 million subscribers and the bout will be available for every single one of those.
It promises to bring viewing figures not seen since the days of Ali, who had anywhere from 80m-1BILLION fans tune in to watch him.
Donn Davis, founder of MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League, is a friend of Tyson’s and business partner of Paul’s.
And he backed his pals to punch boxing into mainstream for the first time since the days of The Greatest.
He told SunSport at PFL Paris: “Look, I’m happy for both of them because it’s a big fight and it’s the first ever combat sports on Netflix, 260millon people will have access to that fight.
“It’s not since Ali will you have that broader reach. You used to see 50million people see a fight, now it’s a couple million.
“So I think it’s fun for both of them and it’s going to be a global sensation and I want them to both end in a tie and both be OK.”
Credit: The Sun
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Paul, 27, is 9-1 as a boxer and suffered his only defeat to Tommy Fury, 24, in February 2023 but he has won three since.
Whereas Tyson, 57, retired in 2005 but returned in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr, which ended in an eight-round draw.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson confirmed with ‘biggest fight of the 21st century’ to be shown live on Netflix
Iron Mike was in Saudi Arabia last month to host the PFL vs Bellator event while Paul is signed to the MMA promotion ahead of his cage debut.
So Davis refused to pick a winner and chose to stay safe on the fence.
He chuckled: “I never want to talk about those guys’ business. I leave it to those guys.
“I’ve texted but as I say, this will end with both of them OK, fans happy. That’s my prediction.”
Footage of KSI confronting the judges after his controversial defeat to Tommy Fury has emerged.
Fury extended his professional record to 10-0 on Saturday night, when he won a majority decision following a scrappy six-round bout against KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji.
It was later revealed that the scores had been added up incorrectly, with the undefeated Fury being awarded a unanimous-decision victory.
After last weekend’s bout at the AO Arena in Manchester, a frustrated KSI vowed to appeal the final result.
“It’s a robbery,” he said in his post-fight interview. “How many jabs did he land? You didn’t get hardly any shots off. You weren’t landing! Look at your face, look at your eyes. Look at you… I’m the YouTuber, you’re the boxer, you have to win. I understand. It’s all good.”
He added: “[I won rounds] 1, 2, 3 and a point off. How do I lose a six rounder? Unreal. He’s the man that’s meant to be a pro boxer and he won a majority decision. It’s outrageous.”
Shortly after the result was announced, KSI approached the three judges, including Rafael Ramos, who initially scored the fight 57-57, and appeared furious with the decision.
Logan Paul’s manager was also involved in the post-fight incident, according to X user @IfnBoxing, who described the below scenes as a “heated altercation”.
Earlier this week, Tommy Fury dismissed KSI’s suggestion that the result was a robbery.
“At the end of the day, he can say what he wants, but hugging and doing star jumps in the ring does not win a fight,” Fury said on Good Morning Britain.
“He can go on about how he was robbed, but it was his show [a Misfits event], his officials, his judges. So, are you saying that your own people, that you employed, robbed you?
It’s very hard to fight someone who doesn’t want to fight. I don’t know [about the chance of a rematch], we’re gonna see. But that was a horrible fight to be a part of. He didn’t wanna fight, he didn’t want to stand there and give the fans a good fight.
“He just wanted to make it awkward, look horrible and run around the ring for six rounds. It’s very irritating for someone like me, who wanted to get in there and have a proper fight.”
Image: Getty
Thoughts on KSI’s actions after the fight on Saturday?
rm wrote on social media: “It’s JAKE PAUL vs. MIKE TYSON — yes, really! — in a LIVE BOXING event at AT&T Stadium you won’t want to miss. Airing live on Netflix Saturday, July 20 #PaulTyson.”
Since the news was confirmed, a video of Paul telling his father about the fight with Tyson has gone viral.
Paul senior also sent his son a clear warning ahead of the bout.
Paul said to his father: “Growing up, who was your favourite boxer?” Greg replied: “Mike Tyson.”
When Paul said: “Mike yeah?” Greg added: “F**k yeah, why’d you ask?”
The YouTuber turned boxer then explained: “Because I am going to be fighting him in July on Netflix.”
Greg said: “No way, dude. Are you f**king kidding me? He’s gonna be the hardest hitting motherf***er you ever fought. Dude, holy f**k I’m gonna be freaking out.” You can watch the conversation below.
Writing on social media, Paul said: “I could not be more excited to make this amazing fight available to all Netflix subscribers alongside the hardest hitter of all time, Mike Tyson, on Saturday, July 20th.
“Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event.”
He added: “My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. Time to put Iron Mike to sleep.”
IT’S being billed as the most bizarre fight of the century.
In the red corner is the former world undisputed heavyweight champ “Iron” Mike Tyson, 57, who was using a walking stick in footage from 2022 unearthed this week.
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Boxing champ ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson will fight internet star Jake PaulCredit: Instagram / @jakepaul
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The fight is expected to generate £234millionCredit: Instagram/jakepaul
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Tyson is the former world undisputed heavyweight champCredit: Getty
The ferocious former “Baddest Man On The Planet”, who retired in 2005, has released his first clip of training footage, leading fans to fear he is in trouble.
In the blue corner will be internet star Jake Paul, 27, whose fighting career includes bouts with other YouTubers, and MMA fighters.
He was beaten last year by boxer and former Love Islander Tommy Fury, younger brother of reigning WBC champion Tyson.
The fight is expected to generate £234million but has been criticised by UFC president Dana White and fighter Conor McGregor.
The clash, which will be aired on Netflix in July, is being billed as a battle between boxing’s old guard and a new breed.
But the two boxers have more in common than you might think – as Grace Macaskill reveals.
SEX ABUSE SCANDALS
TYSON was sentenced to three years in jail for the rape of Desiree Washington when she was 18.
The victim, Miss Black Rhode Island at the time, said he assaulted her in an Indiana hotel room in 1991.
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Tyson’s police mugshot in 1995Credit: Rex Features
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Tyson served three years in jail for the rape of Desiree Washington when she was 18Credit: Rex
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Paul is worth an estimated £31millionCredit: Instagram/jakepaul
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Paul stands in the ring during the fifth round of his fight against Nate Diaz in 2023Credit: Getty
An A&E doctor who examined her confirmed her injuries were consistent with being raped.
Tyson is a registered sex offender under federal law for life.
How Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson can bring boxing back to viewing figures of Muhammad Ali with 260MILLION expected to watch
Flash Paul faced abuse allegations from two women in 2021, although no charges have been brought.
TikToker Justine Paradise, 30, released a 20- minute YouTube video claiming he forced her to perform oral sex in his bedroom in July 2019.
She alleged they danced and kissed consensually at first but then he got physical with her.
Paul denied the allegation on Twitter, calling it “manufactured” and denied he ever had a sexual relationship with Justine.
Actress and model Railey Lollie came forward shortly after Justine’s allegations.
She accused Paul of groping her without consent in 2017, according to the New York Times.
The 24-year-old alleges that when she was 17, he would call her “jailbait”.
COMEBACKS
THERE will be a lot at stake for both men when they square up.
Ageing Tyson is attempting to show the world he still has what it takes to win, while Paul wants to come back from his defeat to Tommy Fury in February 2023.
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Jake Paul fought Tommy Fury in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters
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Tyson leaves the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020Credit: Getty
In 1986, age 20, Iron Mike became the youngest man ever to win a world heavyweight title — but his career spiralled out of control due to sex, drink and drugs.
He hasn’t boxed since an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, which ended in a draw, and his last professional bout was 15 years earlier when he was beaten by Kevin McBride.
Two years ago, Tyson was pictured using a walking stick, and this week he released a training video which one fan reckoned showed he had “weak jabs”.
When Paul took on Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia it was one of the most anticipated-ever boxing contests between two novices.
Despite the former Love Island star being knocked down by the YouTuber in the eighth round, Tommy won on a split decision.
Paul later said: “Tommy didn’t win the fight — I lost it. I was not good, I was not on my A-game.
“I didn’t implement my game plan. My legs were weak going into the fight — but I don’t want to sit here and make excuses.”
LOVE LIVES
FROM fake weddings to a wife who cheated with Brad Pitt, the course of true love hasn’t run smooth for either man.
Iron Mike has been married three times, while Paul has staged two marriage ceremonies for his 60million-plus social media followers.
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Tyson’s first marriage, to actress Robin Givens in 1988, lasted just a yearCredit: Time & Life Pictures – Getty
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Tyson was married to paediatrician Monica Turner from 1997 to 2003Credit: Las Vegas Sun
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Tyson is currently married to Lakiha SpicerCredit: Getty
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Paul faked his first wedding to fellow internet star Erika Costell in June 2017Credit: Getty
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In 2019 Paul announced his engagement to YouTuber Tana Mongeau and they married a month later in Las VegasCredit: The Mega Agency
Tyson’s first marriage, to actress Robin Givens in 1988, lasted just a year.
According to the heavyweight boxer, they quickly tied the knot when Givens told him she was pregnant.
He gave her and her mum £3million to buy a New Jersey estate and put £6.5million in her bank account.
But Tyson claims Robin told him she had miscarried shortly after the money was exchanged.
They filed for divorce but carried on seeing each other — until he walked in on her having sex with Brad Pitt.
Tyson later claimed Pitt begged him not to hit him.
He said: “You had to see the look on his face. He looked like he was ready to receive his last rites.”
Givens, who admits to dating Brad, says the story is untrue.
From 1997 to 2003, Tyson was married to paediatrician Monica Turner after meeting her at a party thrown by comedian Eddie Murphy.
She visited him in prison after he was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington — and when he was released in 1992 the pair set up home in Maryland.
Turner filed for divorce in 2002, claiming adultery.
Tyson is currently married to Lakiha Spicer, 47, better known as Kiki, who met him aged 18 when they were introduced by boxing promoter Don King.
They started dating in the early noughties and married in 2009.
They exchanged vows in 2009, two weeks after the dad-of-seven’s daughter Exodus, four, choked to death in a freak accident.
Despite being obviously in love, Tyson recently admitted he has only been faithful to Kiki for the past two years of their marriage.
His wife has also had problems with the law.
You had to see the look on his [Brad Pitt’s] face. He looked like he was ready to receive his last rites
In 2008 she was given six months in federal jail for defrauding £60,000 from a company owned by her dad.
Paul faked his first wedding to fellow internet star Erika Costell in June 2017, before the pair released a song together.
Three months later he admitted the ceremony wasn’t real and they weren’t even dating.
But the next year their relationship went from staged to reality when they were filmed shopping and holding hands in his documentary The Secrets Of Jake Paul.
In 2019 Paul announced his engagement to YouTuber Tana Mongeau and they married a month later in Las Vegas.
Then they admitted that they weren’t officially married either and it was all a show.”
Paul and 28-year-old brother Logan have a fierce rivalry now the latter has also taken up boxing.
According to Jake, Logan slept with his ex-girlfriend Alissa Violet before the older sibling boasted on a music video: “She used to be your chick, now she’s on my team.”
Alissa and Paul met in 2017, when she was a singer in his manufactured band Team 10.
Both accused each other of cheating, while Alissa claimed Jake had physically and mentally abused her, which he denied.
In a now-deleted tweet, Jake accused Alissa of sleeping with Logan, writing: “Alissa f***ed my brother . . . that’s why I kicked her out. Oopsie — I just told them the truth.”
Logan then added fuel to the fire in a diss track called The Fall Of Jake Paul.
DODGY PASTS
TYSON has had his fair share of drama in the ring — and outside it.
In his 2013 autobiography, Undisputed Truth, he admitted he was high on drugs during some of his fights.
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One of Tyson’s lowest points came when he bit off part of opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during a bout in 1997Credit: Sky
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Paul claimed Covid was a ‘hoax’ and threw a huge party during the pandemicCredit: youtube/Logan Paul
He said he had taken cocaine and cannabis before a fight against Lou Savarese in Glasgow in 2000, but avoided being caught by using a “fake penis where you put in someone’s clean urine to pass your drug test.”
His lowest points came when he bit off part of opponent Evander Holyfield’s ear during a bout in 1997 and being knocked out by underdog Buster Douglas in 1990.
Tyson blew his £401million fortune on luxury cars — including a Cadillac and Lamborghini — £1.75million on a solid gold bathtub and paying a trainer £80,000 a year to look after his two pet Bengal tigers.
While Tyson can’t seem to leave his boxing career behind, Paul has also been desperate for the limelight.
Nicknamed “The Problem Child”, Paul was filmed rapping the N-word to a song in 2018.
Two years later he was allegedly seen with vandals and looters during the Arizona protests against George Floyd’s death at the hands of a cop in Minnesota, although he insists he was only there to film.
The FBI raided his home in California in 2020 in relation to the incident but no charges were brought.
My life was pretty much ruined. YouTube demonetised me, every brand dropped me
Jake Paul
Paul, who is worth £31million, claimed Covid was a “hoax” and threw a huge party during the pandemic at his LA mansion.
His brother Logan, also a social media star, was forced to deny accusations he scammed fans with his cryptocurrency game project Cryptozoo.
Jake also got flak after Logan posted an insensitive video depicting the body of a man who had hanged himself in Japan’s Aokigahara “suicide” forest.
After advertisers wanted nothing to do with either brother due to the shocking footage, Jake revealed he thought about suicide.
He said: “My life was pretty much ruined. YouTube demonetised me, every brand dropped me.
“I’m sitting there at 21, I lost basically all my income because of something my brother did, I’m blacklisted.
“Everything in my life was falling apart. Dark thoughts come into your head of like, ‘I don’t wanna be here on earth any more’.”
Before the drivers’ market imploded with the news of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move, McLaren made a significant announcement, confirming that Lando Norris had extended his contract with the team. Despite having two seasons remaining on his current deal, Norris has committed to Papaya overalls for the long haul, signing a new multi-year agreement that stretches into 2026 and beyond. But with the numerous opportunities that arrived and the looming question of him being in the Red Bull seat- are there regrets?
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While Norris’ impressive talent would have undoubtedly attracted attention from other teams, Red Bull has often been cited as a potential alternative.
The decision to stay with McLaren reflects Norris’ commitment to the team and belief in a shared vision for the future. Martin Brundle, in a feature for Sky Sports, questioned Lando Norris about the possibility of teaming up with Verstappen.
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Norris jokingly remarked, “I’d love to be! I’ll see if he wants to come to McLaren.” However, he quickly shifted to a serious note, emphasizing his desire to carve his path with McLaren and do what Verstappen did. “He’s kind of created his story with [Red Bull], and I would love to be able to do a similar thing with McLaren.”
Acknowledging that joining Red Bull might offer him a faster route to podium finishes and victories, Norris remains steadfast in his belief that his ambitions align best with McLaren’s long-term objectives. Lando Norris is conscious of the opportunities that arose in the driver market, but expresses no regrets about his decision to stay with McLaren, stating confidently, “I could wait and there were opportunities to go for but I was very happy…”
Lando Norris unconcerned by Max Verstappen
While Lando Norris refuses to be plagued by what could have been, he carries the same attitude while assessing Red Bull and Verstappen’s prowess this season. While Verstappen continues to clinch victories, Norris remains unfazed.
Verstappen’s triumphs in Bahrain were commanding, with a substantial lead of over 20 seconds ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez in the season opener. The margin tightened in Saudi Arabia, falling under 10 seconds. Red Bull secured 1-2 finishes in both races, making their mark for the season.
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Despite Red Bull’s dominance, Norris remains composed, highlighting the progress made by teams trailing behind. “No, I don’t think it was concerning at all honestly. I think yeah considering how much we’ve still been able to close the gap. “Norris pointed out that even in qualifying, Verstappen’s success wasn’t handed to him easily, indicating that there’s room for improvement and adjustment with Red Bull’s new car concept.
Once, again, it’s his confidence in his team that shines through Norris’ calm demeanor and indication of determination to bridge the gap and challenge Red Bull’s supremacy as the season progresses.
The prospect of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes in 2025 may seem improbable, but amidst the turmoil at Red Bull, Toto Wolff sees an opportunity too good to ignore. Despite the conclusion of the investigation into Christian Horner, internal conflicts persist, leaving Verstappen’s future uncertain and opening a window for Wolff to make a move, nearly a decade after a missed opportunity. Now, he’s ready to leave no stone unturned.
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Verstappen burst into the F1 scene at the age of just 17 with Toro Rosso, backed by Red Bull’s Helmut Marko, who secured him despite Mercedes’ interest. Now, with Verstappen widely recognized as one of the sport’s best, Wolff acknowledges the allure of having him in the Mercedes camp.
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In a recent interview with oe24, Wolff admired Verstappen’s skills and hinted at Mercedes’ readiness to provide a competitive car to further add to a potential deal.
“The driver will always try to sit in the strongest car. That’s why we have to do our homework first so that the car performs. So Mercedes could become a real alternative for Max,” said Wolff.
While the idea of Max Verstappen bringing Adrian Newey along may seem far-fetched, Wolff doesn’t rule out anything in the unpredictable world of F1. As for Helmut Marko potentially shifting sides, Wolff remains focused on Verstappen’s prospects, understanding the dynamics between the two within Red Bull’s hierarchy.
Amid speculation and uncertainty, the possibility of Verstappen donning the Mercedes colors adds an intriguing layer to the driver market. After Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari, there is no telling what can happen.
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Helmut Marko clears the air on Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes
Helmut Marko has made it clear that he and Max Verstappen won’t be making a joint move to their rival’s garage, despite Toto Wolff’s job offer to both key figures from the Red Bull team.
Marko, who initially faced the threats of suspension but ultimately decided to stay on as Red Bull’s advisor after discussions with team higher-ups, received backing from Verstappen himself. The Red Bull golden boy expressed his support for Marko, indicating that he too would be out of the door should Marko be ousted.
Wolff, seizing the moment, expressed his interest in having Verstappen but also offering Marko a “mascot” role. However, Marko’s commitment to Red Bull, at least for now, has thwarted any plans of departure.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Marko made it clear: “We are not going to Mercedes together at the moment.” He also hinted at the uncertainty of Verstappen’s contract, which extends until the end of the 2028 season, emphasizing the team’s collective goal of winning championships and the necessity of hard work.
Verstappen, echoing the sentiment of unity, emphasized the importance of teamwork and peace within the Red Bull camp, urging the team to focus on their on-track performance amidst the drama.
The fandom of pop icon Taylor Swift continues to grow multitudes and is encapsulating a range of celebrities. The F1 grid is no stranger to the same, and some of the drivers are also ‘Swifties’. Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson stands as the latest driver to reveal that he is a fan of Swift. In a video uploaded by Lawson on his YouTube channel, he was asked to choose between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, and Lawson went with the latter.
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“Travis Kelce or Taylor Swift?”
Lawson: “Taylor Swift.”
Kelce and Swift are one of the most influential power couples in the US at the moment. Thanks to her incredibly successful Eras Tour, Swift garnered hundreds of thousands of new fans. Meanwhile, Kelce is widely regarded as one of the best in NFL, and recently won the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. As the two entities came together, their influence grew multifold. All the cameras are on them wherever they go, and fans cannot get enough.
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The couple’s most viral moment came at Super Bowl LVIII as Kelce and his team fought for the title. Swift was in the audience with Kelce’s mother as they looked on in anticipation of what would happen. Once the Chiefs won, Swift was over the moon. Kelce and Swift’s kiss and interaction after the match became a global talking point.
The video where Lawson chose between Kelce and Swift was part of a special video for Lawson. The New Zealand driver had a camera crew follow him around in the build-up to the screening of his documentary. It shows an exclusive sneak peek into the life of Lawson as the 22-year-old makes his journey to the F1 grid.
Red Bull going the extra mile for Liam Lawson
Red Bull had a specific camera crew follow Liam Lawson around once they realized he was something special. Last year, when he suddenly got into an F1 car, Red Bull had more reasons to have cameras follow him for a documentary. Titled ‘In The Wings,’ the documentary encapsulates Lawson’s journey to the F1 grid. It also captures the highs and lows of his Super Formula campaign. The documentary could also focus on the reactions of his close friends and family when they heard the news of him driving in F1.
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Given everything that Red Bull is doing for Lawson, it looks like the Austrian team has big plans for him. Lawson was impressive during his time with (formerly) AlphaTauri. There were a lot of calls to make him a full-time F1 driver, but the team decided against it. For now, Lawson remains on the sidelines, but fans hope it won’t be this way for long. Should Red Bull not bring Lawson to F1, other teams might look to poach the driver, as he has a lot of talent to offer.
Daniel Ricciardo has received immense criticism for his performances in the opening two races of the 2024 season. In both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Yuki Tsunoda outqualified him. Since the Australian has been struggling, his future in F1 continues to remain uncertain. Amid such uncertainty, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has added further pressure on Ricciardo by explaining how the 34-year-old has to do more to match Tsunoda.
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While writing for the Speedweek column, Marko wrote, “A word about the Racing Bulls. There’s a lot at stake this season for both Yuki and Daniel. Yuki’s qualifying performance was very good and Ricciardo has to come up with something soon.”
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The pressure is on Ricciardo indeed because if Tsunoda continues to perform well in the races and qualifying rounds, then Red Bull might favor him rather than the Honey Badger for a future seat on the senior team. Moreover, with Red Bull also having Liam Lawson as their reserve driver, Ricciardo cannot afford to make any slip-ups.
Since Ricciardo has been struggling, fans have already begun speculating about the possibility of Red Bull replacing him with the highly impressive Lawson. In the process of explaining how Lawson may soon replace Ricciardo, fans also suggested how there is a possibility that the Australian faces a situation similar to that of Nyck de Vries.
F1 fans believe Red Bull could sack Daniel Ricciardo
Last year, Daniel Ricciardo replaced an underperforming Nyck de Vries. Unfortunately, following just two races, the#3 driver sustained a wrist injury, forcing Liam Lawson to step in for him for five races. The New Zealander made the most of this opportunity and impressed everyone.
Now that Ricciardo hasn’t performed well in the first two races of the 2024 season, supporters are suggesting it’s time for Lawson to take over Ricciardo’s seat permanently. One of the fans with Twitter handle, @fiagirlboss even wrote, ” Lawson will be in the car soon enough.”
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Other supporters, meanwhile, expressed their worries over Ricciardo’s form. Nonetheless, they continue to believe that before getting sacked like De Vries, Ricciardo will have more of an opportunity to display his true abilities.
The first two races of the 2024 season continued to showcase to the F1 community that Red Bull remains the strongest team. In both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the Austrian outfit finished 1-2. Moreover, on both occasions, Max Verstappen defeated Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to win the race. Hence, looking at how things have panned out so far, the possibility of a team challenging Red Bull at the moment seems bleak. However, despite knowing this fact, Charles Leclerc has recently painted a realistic picture of challenging Verstappen and Red Bull.
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While taking to Motorsport.com, Leclerc said, “I’m sure our time will come. I don’t know what Red Bull has in store in terms of upgrades, but this will define when we will be able to match them.”
The Monegasque is optimistic that the SF24 will at some point surpass the RB20 in speed because, in his view, Ferrari has improved the most since last year’s campaign. Similar to Frederic Vasseur, the 26-year-old feels that Red Bull’s lead over Ferrari currently stands at three to four-tenths of a second every lap.
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Charles Leclerc believes this is a smaller gap compared to the previous season. However, the Monegasque does believe that it’s still a significant margin in Formula 1.
Moreover, Leclerc has revealed that the SF-24 wouldn’t undergo any significant changes in Melbourne. While wrapping up, Leclerc mentioned that although there is still a significant gap between the two teams, if his team keeps improving, he is confident that Ferrari will eventually ‘put more pressure on Red Bull.’
What did Frederic Vasseur say about Ferrari’s pace?
The way Ferrari handles the Pirelli tires has improved significantly this season. Since the previous year, the team has improved the setup window for both their drivers, which has helped them clinch two podium finishes in a row.
Given these advancements, Frederic Vasseur thinks his team will eventually overtake Red Bull in the battle for the top spot. According to GP Fans, the Frenchman said that the feeling about Ferrari’s current position is ‘quite positive.’
While elaborating on it, Vasseur said that Red Bull is maybe two or three-tenths ahead of them in the single-lap race. However, later he also pointed out that the margin widens during the race, and that he is unsure about whether Red Bull is exerting maximum effort.
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After stating the same, Vasseur finally said, “The feeling is more positive that, if you come back in this region, you know if you do a step, you can put some pressure on them. When we were at one second [behind], it was useless, but now with a good start we can be there, we can fight.”
At the Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari will hope to battle Red Bull and will most likely have the best opportunity to take on them. This is because the Albert Park track has a lot of medium-speed turns and a few lengthy straights that could potentially favor Ferrari.
However, the primary concern for the Prancing Horse at the moment is the availability of Carlos Sainz, who missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend due to appendicitis surgery. If the Spaniard is not fit in time, then Ferrari could be forced to once again feature Ollie Bearman for the Australian GP.
