Max Verstappen's current performance streak has been a point of intense scrutiny and somber reflection within the Red Bull camp. Despite a season where the Dutch driver has often showcased dominant form, his last three races have seen a downturn, culminating in a fifth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen's recent outing at the Hungaroring was marred by a collision that led to strategic complications. From losing track position during the pit stops to competitors like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, to the strategy failures that left Verstappen exasperated, it was a race where nothing seemed to fall into place for the reigning champion. "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 vented over the team radio.
In an attempt to bounce back, Red Bull introduced new upper bodywork and a revised front wing on Verstappen's RB20 at the Hungarian GP. However, these upgrades were not enough to secure a top spot. "For sure the upgrades work, but we're still not first, right? So we need more. It's as simple as that," Verstappen remarked, emphasizing the team’s need for further improvements. Team Principal Christian Horner echoed this sentiment, expressing a need to expand the car’s operating window to achieve consistent pole positions, as they did in Austria.
Verstappen's frustrations did not end on the track. Off it, he openly criticized the discrepancies within the team’s approach and coordination. "I already said yesterday maybe some people are not on the same wavelength," he stated, hinting at underlying issues within the Red Bull team that need addressing. His dissatisfaction was palpable when he lamented the race strategy, saying, "It's quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut. It's completely f---ed my race."
Despite these setbacks, Verstappen maintains a commanding 76-point lead in the championship, a testament to the strong foundation he built earlier in the season. However, he believes that his current inability to secure great lap times is a sign of the car's performance dipping. "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," Verstappen commented.
Looking ahead, Spa-Francorchamps poses a more favorable circuit for Red Bull. However, for Verstappen, the focus is on enhancing the team's overall approach and performance. His candidness on the radio and in interviews is something he feels should be embraced rather than criticized. "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," Verstappen argued. "If some people don't like that, then they can stay home."
In an era where teams often tread carefully to avoid controversy, Verstappen’s unabashed honesty and drive for perfection underline his commitment to maintaining the highest standards. It's clear that he expects no less from himself and his team. As Red Bull regroups and prepares for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on how they respond to their star driver's forthright calls for improvement.