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Verstappen Urges Major Overhaul Ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has issued a stern warning to Red Bull Racing, emphasizing the need for significant changes to the team’s car before the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Following a challenging Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the reigning Formula 1 world champion made it clear that the current performance of the RB20 is far from satisfactory and requires urgent attention.
Verstappen’s demands come on the back of a race where the Dutch driver and his teammate, Sergio Perez, both faced issues that hampered their performance. Despite finishing the race, Verstappen was not content with the outcome, citing a series of problems that prevented Red Bull from competing at their usual high level.
Speaking to F1TV, Verstappen addressed his radio messages during the Italian Grand Prix, noting that while he was not overtly frustrated, the race did not go as planned. “To be honest, I wasn’t really frustrated throughout the race. I was just doing my own race. Yeah, the pace was not there, but we also had a bad pit stop. I think our strategy was not on point today, even though of course, it wouldn’t have changed our position,” Verstappen explained.
The Italian Grand Prix was marked by a lack of pace for Red Bull, compounded by technical issues that significantly affected their performance. Verstappen revealed that both he and Perez struggled with a problem that prevented them from utilizing full power from their engines, which is crucial for maintaining competitive lap times. “It doesn’t help that you can’t run full power for most of the race with the engine because we had an issue,” Verstappen added.
Red Bull’s difficulties were evident throughout the race weekend, with both drivers failing to secure positions that would have allowed them to challenge for top spots. The poor performance was particularly surprising given Red Bull’s dominant form earlier in the season. This decline in competitiveness has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain their championship bid.
Looking ahead, Verstappen has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the RB20, stressing that drastic changes are necessary to restore the team’s competitive edge. “The car is really bad at the moment. And before Baku we have a lot of work to do to basically change the whole car,” Verstappen stated emphatically. His comments underline the urgency for Red Bull to address the issues before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is set to take place on the streets of Baku.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is renowned for its unique challenges, with its narrow, twisty layout and the potential for unexpected incidents. A well-performing car is essential for navigating the demanding circuit effectively. Red Bull’s ability to make the required adjustments in time for the race will be crucial in determining their prospects for the remainder of the season.
As the team heads back to the factory to address Verstappen’s concerns, the focus will be on rectifying the technical issues and enhancing the car’s performance. The pressure is on Red Bull Racing to deliver a competitive package that can keep Verstappen in the hunt for the championship and ensure that the team remains a formidable force in the championship battle.
With the Azerbaijan Grand Prix fast approaching, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see if they can rise to the challenge and implement the changes Verstappen has called for. The next few weeks will be critical for the team as they work to regain their competitive edge and mount a strong challenge in the upcoming races.
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