BREAKING: Max Verstappen Delivers Bleak Forecast for Red Bull Ahead…read more

Max Verstappen Delivers Bleak Forecast for Red Bull Ahead of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 

Max Verstappen has cast doubt on Red Bull’s chances of bouncing back at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, warning that the team’s tyre management issues are likely to persist throughout the weekend.

Following a frustrating outing in Bahrain where he finished sixth and battled a litany of issues with his RB21  Verstappen admitted he doesn’t foresee any major progress in Jeddah. Despite winning in Japan earlier in the season, the Dutchman has consistently voiced his displeasure with the car’s performance and even claimed a McLaren would have been faster.

“The tyre wear might be slightly less in Jeddah, but if you struggle with tyre management, it’s a problem everywhere,” Verstappen said. “The track layout may offer some help, but it doesn’t fix the core issue.”

The reigning four-time world champion experienced a series of mishaps in Bahrain, including braking troubles, poor traction, and two problematic pit stops. “I had no grip, no braking, no steering  everything was off. The pit stops didn’t go right either, and I ended up stuck in traffic,” he explained. “At one point I think I was down in 20th place — that wasn’t great.”

Amid the team’s ongoing struggles, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted there are growing concerns about Verstappen’s future with the team, despite his contract running until 2028. Marko warned that Verstappen may consider other options if Red Bull can’t deliver a competitive car soon.

“There’s definitely concern,” Marko told Sky Germany. “We need to make progress quickly. Max needs a car that can compete at the front and fight for the title  if we don’t give him that, we could risk losing him.”

With Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin all showing signs of improvement, Red Bull now faces increasing pressure to reverse their downward trend.