Verstappen's Struggles Continue: Red Bull Looks To Rebound at Spa-Francorchamps
Max Verstappen has found himself in an unusual position over the last three races, unable to secure a victory. The Dutch driver, who has displayed remarkable consistency and dominance throughout the season, finished fifth in the Hungarian Grand Prix, a result that has raised eyebrows and questions about Red Bull's recent performance.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen encountered a collision-induced strategy issue which significantly impacted his race. Despite a valiant effort to recover, he lost track position to competitors such as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during pit stops. Reflecting on his race, Verstappen candidly admitted, "We didn't have the pace to fight McLaren today but then I think we could still have had a P3."
Red Bull had introduced new upper bodywork and a revised front wing on Verstappen's RB20 in Hungary, hoping the upgrades would provide a competitive edge. While the upgrades indeed had an effect, they weren't sufficient to bring Verstappen back to winning form. Verstappen himself noted, "For sure the upgrades work, but we're still not first, right? So we need more. It's as simple as that."
Frustrations Boil Over
The lack of success and strategy mishaps have evidently taken a toll on Verstappen's patience. During the Hungarian race, he vented his frustration over the team radio, saying, "No mate, don't give me that s--- now. You guys gave me this s--- strategy, OK? I'm trying to rescue what's left. F---." This raw emotion underscores the mounting pressure within the Red Bull camp as they strive to reclaim their dominant form.
Verstappen's blunt assessment didn't stop there. He questioned the team's cohesion, stating, "I already said yesterday maybe some people are not on the same wavelength." This suggests internal challenges that the team must address to synchronize their efforts and strategies effectively.
Red Bull's Response
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal, acknowledged the issues but remained optimistic about the car's potential. "I think we've got more performance to bring. We need to expand that operating window for the car, so when the car is in the right window it qualifies on pole by four tenths like it did in Austria," Horner stated. This perspective indicates that while the team's recent performance has been below expectations, they believe in the underlying potential of their car.
Verstappen also highlighted the impact of race strategies and decisions made during critical moments. "It's quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut. It's completely f---ed my race," he noted, pointing out a significant area for improvement. Horner defended the team, emphasizing that some in-race reactions were in response to external factors and not necessarily reflective of the team's choices. "GP at that point wasn't referring to Max; he was referring to others on the radio complaining about penalties," Horner clarified.
Pushing for Improvement
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen remains determined and committed to pushing harder. "I feel like I probably push harder than I did last year, but it's just not coming anymore to have these great lap times. So I guess it just means that we are a bit slower. So we have work to do. Simple as that," he stated. This self-assessment shows that Verstappen is aware of the need for both personal and team improvements.
In conclusion, Verstappen's recent performances have exposed some chinks in Red Bull's armor. The Dutch driver is known for being straightforward about the team's performance, and he did not mince words about the need for better execution. "I don't think we need to apologize; I just think we need to do a better job. I don't know why people think that you cannot be vocal on the radio. I mean, this is a sport," he asserted. He also added, "If some people don't like that, then they can stay home," underscoring his belief in open communication and strong resolve as crucial elements for overcoming current challenges.
As the team looks toward the next race at Spa-Francorchamps, there is a cautious optimism rooted in their belief that the track will prove a better venue for their car. The coming races will be critical in determining whether Verstappen and Red Bull can address these issues and return to their winning ways.