Max Verstappen in rare disagreement with Helmut Marko over...

Max Verstappen in rare disagreement with Helmut Marko over RB20 ‘downgrades’

Max Verstappen has refuted claims made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that the team has intentionally introduced “downgrades” to their RB20 car as the 2024 Formula 1 season has progressed. Despite dominating the 2023 season, Red Bull’s performance has been inconsistent in 2024, with Verstappen managing only three wins in the last nine rounds.

Verstappen currently holds a narrow lead over Lando Norris in the Drivers’ standings, while Red Bull’s advantage over McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship has been reduced to 42 points ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Marko’s suggestion that the team has intentionally downgraded their car has been met with skepticism by Verstappen, who has instead pointed to the intense competition and development war in F1 as the reason for Red Bull’s reduced dominance.

The team’s performance has been under scrutiny, particularly in light of McLaren’s resurgence, and Verstappen’s comments have added to the intrigue surrounding Red Bull’s strategy for the remainder of the season.

As the team heads to Zandvoort, the spotlight will be on their RB20 car’s performance, and whether they can regain their dominance or continue to face stiff competition from their rivals.