Max Verstappen’s recent outings have seen a dip in his otherwise dominant form. The Dutch driver has failed to secure a victory in his last three races, with his latest performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix culminating in a fifth-place finish. Despite these recent hurdles, Verstappen retains a commanding 76-point lead in the championship standings, a cushion that reflects his consistency over the season.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen's race was marred by a collision that led to strategic complications. The introduction of new upper bodywork and a revised front wing on his RB20 couldn’t translate into a top podium finish. "We didn't have the pace to fight McLaren today but then I think we could still have had a P3," Verstappen assessed his performance. His frustration was palpable when he lashed out at his team over the 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---."
The mixed fortunes continued as Verstappen also lost crucial track positions to rivals such as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the pit stops. Reflecting on these setbacks, he noted, "It's quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut. It's completely f---ed my race." Verstappen suggested a need for better synchronization within the team, stating, "I already said yesterday maybe some people are not on the same wavelength."
Team Principal Christian Horner provided his perspective on the situation, recognizing both the potential and the shortfalls. "For sure the upgrades work, but we're still not first, right? So we need more. It's as simple as that," Horner said. He remained optimistic about the car’s latent capabilities, highlighting, "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 proactive engagement in the discussions about his performances underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence. He admitted, "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." This statement reflects a nuanced understanding of the performance dynamics, hinting at a possible need for a strategic overhaul.
Amidst this tough phase, there were moments that underscored the team’s unity and the resilience of its key players. Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, attempted to keep spirits high, quipping, "Well, that's some gentle introduction." The incident in Hungary also prompted a response from Horner, clarifying that Lambiase’s comments were not directed at Verstappen but at others on the radio complaining about penalties.
Verstappen's candidness is a double-edged sword, earning him both admiration and criticism. He defended his 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." His retort to critics was unequivocal, as he added, "If some people don't like that, then they can stay home."
Looking ahead, Spa-Francorchamps appears to be a promising venue for Red Bull, and the team will hope to capitalize on this to regain its winning form. The recent introduction of upgrades gives a glimmer of optimism, but there is a consensus within the team that more is needed to consistently reach the top. Verstappen’s determination, coupled with Red Bull’s technical prowess, sets the stage for an intriguing next chapter in the season.