Verstappen Struggles but Maintains Lead Amidst Red Bull's Performance Woes
Max Verstappen, despite having a dominant season, has faced an uncharacteristic dry spell in his recent outings. For the past three races, the Red Bull ace has been unable to secure a victory, culminating in a challenging fifth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen's experience in Hungary was marred by a collision that caused strategy issues, underscoring the obstacles Red Bull currently faces.
The Dutch driver continues to hold a substantial 76-point lead in the championship standings, a testament to his strong form earlier in the season. However, the recent difficulties have shone a light on areas needing improvement. Red Bull made significant updates to Verstappen's RB20 for Hungary, introducing new upper bodywork and a revised front wing. Despite these upgrades, the team couldn't secure the top spot, indicating further refinement is necessary.
"We didn't have the pace to fight McLaren today but then I think we could still have had a P3," Verstappen reflected after the race. His frank admission indicated his belief that the car's performance fell short of expectations. Verstappen's frustrations were palpable when he lost track position to rivals such as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the pit stops, leading to a vocal outburst over team radio: "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---."
Verstappen's critique extended beyond specific race incidents. "I already said yesterday maybe some people are not on the same wavelength," he mentioned, hinting at internal coordination issues within the team. While he acknowledged the upgrades worked, he was clear that they were not sufficient: "For sure the upgrades work, but we're still not first, right? So we need more. It's as simple as that."
Team Principal Christian Horner supported Verstappen's stance, emphasizing the need for consistency and further development. "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. His comments reflected the necessity for Red Bull to optimize their car's performance window across various race conditions.
Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the team's current performance was evident throughout the race weekend. Following an incident on the track, he remarked, "He moved under braking," showcasing his frustration over maneuvers made by competitors. His comments on race strategy were equally pointed: "It's quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut. It's completely f---ed my race."
Christian Horner later clarified that some of the radio complaints weren't solely directed at Verstappen. "GP at that point wasn't referring to Max; he was referring to others on the radio complaining about penalties," Horner explained. The clarification highlighted the broader communication issues faced by the team.
Despite his challenges, Verstappen remains determined. "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 admitted. His statement indicated a resolve to continue pushing the limits while acknowledging the need for improvements.
Verstappen did not shy away from advocating for a more robust team approach. "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 remarked, stressing the importance of open communication and high standards. He concluded with a candid observation: "If some people don't like that, then they can stay home."
Looking ahead, expectations are high for Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit anticipated to be more favorable for Red Bull. The team and Verstappen will aim to reclaim their top form and address the shortcomings highlighted in recent races, ensuring they remain ahead in the fiercely competitive championship battle.