Dutchman Max Verstappen’s frustrations stem from Red Bull’s struggles and the improved performance of McLaren and Mercedes.
After nearly two years of dominance in Formula One, Verstappen’s winning streak has ended. The Hungarian Grand Prix highlighted the difficulties he now faces, marking his third consecutive race without a win since 2021.
During his fifth-place finish on Sunday, Verstappen’s frustrations were evident from the first lap to the chequered flag. He frequently argued with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase about strategy and criticized the FIA, earning a rebuke for being “childish” and later telling his critics to “f— off” after the race. His heated exchanges and collisions with rivals further exemplified his frustrations.
Previously seen as a mature and refined driver, Verstappen’s recent behavior suggests a regression to his pre-2022 self due to his inability to dominate every race. It’s easy to maintain a clean driving style when your car has a significant speed advantage, but now that he’s competing for position, the aggressive tactics are resurfacing.
Max and Lewis collide! 💥
What is going on in this race? 👀 pic.twitter.com/V2vcBUqS3c
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2024
His clash with Lando Norris in Austria and the collision with Lewis Hamilton on Sunday reflect a similar pattern of aggressive driving. Verstappen dismissed any fault and downplayed his frustrations, but his struggles to pass Hamilton earlier in the race revealed his difficulty in handling setbacks.
Red Bull’s current decline has added pressure on Verstappen, leading to repeated outbursts over team strategy. The team, previously cushioned by Verstappen’s performance, now faces a threat to their constructors’ title due to Sergio Pérez’s poor form. Despite holding a 76-point lead in the drivers’ championship, the pressure is evident throughout the team.
Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull’s development and strategy reflects the team’s struggles. Their performance has dropped significantly compared to the first half of the season and last year. McLaren, on the other hand, has improved, increasing the pressure on Red Bull.
"I'm trying to rescue what's left!" 😡
Max is not happy over team radio 📻 pic.twitter.com/tEVeFsufZc
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2024
Team harmony appears to be an issue, with Verstappen’s communication suggesting internal discord. Red Bull’s support for Verstappen remains unwavering, but the “team” element is under strain. The fallout from Christian Horner’s misconduct investigation and the power struggle within Red Bull after co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz’s death have contributed to the team’s instability.
While Red Bull isn’t falling apart, Sunday’s events indicate a strained team dynamic. Verstappen’s past conflict with Pérez and recent internal rifts point to deeper issues. The team must address these challenges to prevent further decline.