Verstappen's Form Dips as Strategic Missteps Hinder Progress
Max Verstappen has endured a challenging run lately, failing to secure victory in his last three races. His recent performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix saw him finish a modest fifth, a result marred by both strategic errors and on-track mishaps. Despite these setbacks, he still holds a commanding 76-point lead in the championship standings.
In Hungary, Verstappen's troubles began with a collision that disrupted his race strategy. "He moved under braking," noted Verstappen, clearly frustrated by the incident. The Dutch driver found himself losing valuable track positions to key rivals like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during pit stops. Reflecting on the loss of track position, he remarked, "It's quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut. It's completely f---ed my race."
Red Bull attempted to counter their recent challenges by introducing significant upgrades to Verstappen's RB20, including new upper bodywork and a revised front wing. While these changes showed potential, they weren’t sufficient to propel Verstappen to the podium. As he candidly acknowledged, "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 echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for additional performance. "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."
Verstappen's frustration was palpable over the team radio during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He didn't mince words when blaming the team for their strategic errors. "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---," he exclaimed. This outburst led to some public speculation about the team’s internal dynamics, but Horner was quick to clarify: "GP at that point wasn't referring to Max; he was referring to others on the radio complaining about penalties."
Despite his struggles, Verstappen remains resolutely focused on pushing forward. "I already said yesterday maybe some people are not on the same wavelength," he indicated, pointing to a need for better alignment within the team.
He added, "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. If some people don't like that, then they can stay home."
Looking ahead, Spa-Francorchamps offers a glimmer of hope for Verstappen and the Red Bull team. The circuit is expected to better suit their car's performance characteristics, providing an opportunity to rebound from recent disappointments.
Verstappen's own evaluation of his current form reflects a mixture of determination and realism. "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."
The coming races will be critical for Verstappen and Red Bull as they seek to reclaim their form and reassert their dominance. With strategic adjustments and continued performance upgrades, they aim to turn the tide and maintain their lead in the championship battle.