Max Verstappen Addresses Red Bull's Performance Slump
Why it matters: Max Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion, is openly discussing how he's adapting to Red Bull's recent dip in performance. This offers insight into the mindset of a top driver when faced with challenges after years of dominance.
The big picture: Red Bull dominated the early ground effect era, securing four consecutive drivers' championships from 2021 to 2024. However, the 2025 season has seen a shift, with the team struggling to maintain its previous overwhelming advantage and failing to defend the constructors' title in 2024.
Details:
- Verstappen acknowledges the team's current position, stating, "You also just have to accept where you're at." He notes that Red Bull is "not the quickest at the moment, but we're also not the slowest."
- His focus is on understanding the car better and finding areas for improvement, even with new regulations on the horizon for next year.
- Verstappen also drew on his past experiences, recalling years without a winning car, which helps him compartmentalize and deal with the current situation.
Between the lines:
- Verstappen has been the primary points scorer for Red Bull, contributing 187 of the team's 194 points this season.
- The team has struggled to find a consistent second driver capable of matching Verstappen's performance.
- Verstappen defended his current teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, stating, "Yuki isn't a pancake. This [with the second Red Bull driver] has been going on for a long time. Maybe that's a sign. Of what? That you can decide yourself."
What's next: Red Bull will continue to work on car development throughout the season, aiming to regain its competitive edge and address the performance gap ahead of the significant regulation changes in 2026.