Just in: Max Verstappen Admits Frustration with Red Bull Amid

Just in: Max Verstappen Admits Frustration with Red Bull Amid 2024 F1 Setbacks

Max Verstappen has opened up about his frustrations with Red Bull during the challenging 2024 Formula 1 season, admitting there were moments he felt “done” with the team. Despite securing his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship, Verstappen’s season was far from smooth, with Red Bull facing significant on- and off-track difficulties.

While the Dutchman dominated the early part of the year, internal instability and performance issues with the RB20 began to emerge. Updates to the car failed to deliver the expected improvements, and Red Bull’s performance simulations proved unreliable, leading to a steady decline as the season progressed. This drop-off allowed rivals, particularly McLaren and Lando Norris, to mount a formidable challenge. By midseason, McLaren had overtaken Red Bull, ultimately clinching the constructors’ championship.

The team’s struggles fueled speculation about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, with rumors suggesting he might consider leaving the team. However, the 27-year-old has repeatedly denied these claims, reaffirming his commitment to honoring his contract, which runs until 2028. Despite the speculation, Verstappen has maintained that he remains happy at Red Bull and focused on achieving further success with the team.

In a year-end interview with Viaplay, Verstappen reflected on one of the most difficult moments of the season—the Hungarian Grand Prix. The race proved disastrous for Red Bull, with their car upgrades failing to deliver, resulting in a frustrating fifth-place finish for Verstappen. The tension during the race boiled over into a series of heated team radio messages, and Verstappen’s frustrations culminated in an uncharacteristic crash with rival Lewis Hamilton.

“That wasn’t a great race,” Verstappen admitted. “We had a lot of updates, but they didn’t work well. We basically got everything wrong in the race. At that moment, I was done.”

He acknowledged the toll the situation took on both him and the team, describing the tense atmosphere as counterproductive to their performance. “I try to get the best out of the situation, but you could feel the tension, and that doesn’t help anyone perform well,” Verstappen explained.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, the team held crucial discussions to address their issues and rebuild cohesion. “After that race, we had some good conversations, sat down as a team, and said what needed to be said,” Verstappen revealed. These meetings helped Red Bull regain some stability, though their performance never fully recovered to its dominant early-season levels.

While Verstappen’s title win highlighted his resilience and skill, the season also underscored the challenges Red Bull must address to remain competitive. The team’s decline allowed McLaren and Norris to rise as serious contenders, marking a shift in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

For Verstappen, the experience served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and open communication during difficult periods. Despite his frustrations, he remains determined to work with Red Bull to overcome their challenges and return to their winning ways.

As the 2025 season approaches, both Verstappen and Red Bull will be looking to learn from their struggles in 2024 and reclaim their dominance in the sport.