Just In: Honest Verstappen gives…on Red Bull car in Holland: “Simply too…” Read More.
Honest Verstappen gives…on Red Bull car in Holland: “Simply too…” Read More.
Max Verstappen has delivered a blunt assessment of his Red Bull car ahead of his home race at the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite the excitement surrounding the return of Formula 1 after the summer break and the passionate crowd at Circuit Zandvoort, Verstappen’s outlook remains far from optimistic. The reigning three-time F1 champion, who currently leads the drivers’ standings, admitted that the Red Bull car is simply not up to pace, describing it as “too slow.”
The Dutch driver, who has previously dominated at Zandvoort since the race’s reintroduction to the F1 calendar in 2021, found himself only fifth in the second free practice session. This position put him behind both McLaren and Mercedes drivers, a surprising and frustrating result for the home favorite. Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen explained, “In FP1, we didn’t have much track time. But in FP2, we could see where we stand – too slow on the flying lap, too slow on the race pace, so there’s a bit of work to do. At the moment, there’s no clear answer on how to improve that specifically, but we’ll look at things. Just too slow.”
Verstappen’s candid assessment has raised concerns about Red Bull’s performance heading into the Dutch GP. Red Bull, a team accustomed to dominating races with Verstappen at the helm, now seems to be stagnating while their rivals are showing signs of progress. This stagnation is particularly worrying for Verstappen, who has not won in the last four races, a rare drought for the typically dominant driver. His last victory came back on June 23 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
For the passionate Dutch fans, the Dutch GP at Circuit Zandvoort holds special significance. Since the race returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, Verstappen has reigned supreme, winning both races held on home soil. However, with Red Bull’s recent struggles, the pressure is mounting for Verstappen to deliver another victory, especially with the likes of McLaren and Mercedes closing in.
Verstappen’s frustration is compounded by the fact that his rivals have been improving while Red Bull’s development seems to have stalled. This has left the driver and his team searching for answers ahead of the crucial race weekend. “At the moment, there’s no clear answer,” Verstappen admitted. “We’ll have to look at things and see how we can improve, but right now, we’re just too slow.”
Despite this, Verstappen still holds a commanding lead in the drivers’ championship with 277 points. His nearest competitor, McLaren’s Lando Norris, trails with 199 points, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc sits in third with 177 points. Although Verstappen’s position at the top of the standings remains secure for now, the recent dip in performance has raised concerns about whether Red Bull can maintain their dominance as the season progresses.
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster, and the Dutch GP at Circuit Zandvoort marks the 15th stage of the season. After a four-week summer break, all eyes are on Verstappen as he faces the pressure of performing in front of his home crowd. The stakes are high, and a strong performance at Zandvoort could help Red Bull regain momentum for the remainder of the season.
Fans will be eagerly tuning in to see if Verstappen can turn things around at his home race. The Dutch GP schedule features three days of action, starting with free practice sessions on Friday, August 23. Free Practice 1 took place at 7:20 am, followed by Free Practice 2 at 10:50 am. On Saturday, August 24, Free Practice 3 is scheduled for 6:20 am, with the all-important qualifying session taking place at 9:30 am. The race itself will be held on Sunday, August 25, at 9:30 am, with coverage available on Band, Bandsports, Band.com.br, and Bandplay.
For those unable to watch the race live, Radio BandNews FM and Rádio Bandeirantes will provide real-time coverage, ensuring fans stay up-to-date with all the action. The Dutch GP is set to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 F1 season, with Verstappen under immense pressure to deliver in front of his home fans. Will the Dutchman be able to overcome Red Bull’s current struggles and secure another victory at Zandvoort? Only time will tell.
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