Warning Signs at Red Bull: Max Verstappen Sounds Alarm Over Team’s Growing W…read more
Warning Signs at Red Bull: Max Verstappen Sounds Alarm Over Team’s Growing Weakness – “You Need to Be Realistic”
Max Verstappen has delivered a chilling assessment of Red Bull Racing’s performance following the Miami Grand Prix, warning that a key weakness within the team is threatening their dominance — and could open the door for rivals to close in fast.
Despite a strong qualifying and early race pace, Verstappen appeared visibly frustrated after finishing outside the top three, later pointing to a growing performance gap under certain conditions as a “serious concern” for the team.
“The others are catching up. We can’t keep hiding behind results. You need to be realistic — there’s a weakness in how the car handles on street circuits and in changing grip levels,” Verstappen said during a tense media briefing. “If we don’t solve this soon, it’s going to cost us.”
The Dutch driver’s comments come amid rising pressure from Ferrari and Mercedes, both of whom showed rapid improvement in Miami. Red Bull, though still leading both championships, has begun to show cracks — particularly in tire management and cornering consistency, two areas Verstappen identified as critical.
“The car’s strong on paper, but in reality, we’re sliding more, struggling to adapt. I have to push harder than I should, and that’s not sustainable over a season,” he added.
Team principal Christian Horner downplayed the concerns but admitted improvements are needed. “Max is right to be demanding. That’s what makes him a champion. We’ve identified a few key areas to work on, and the team is already on it.”
Still, the warning from Verstappen sent shockwaves through the paddock, with rival teams sensing an opportunity to exploit Red Bull’s rare vulnerability.
With Imola up next a technical circuit where setup and adaptability will be crucial Verstappen’s ominous message serves as a rallying cry not just for Red Bull, but for the entire grid.
The champion has spoken. Now the question looms: is Red Bull starting to bleed?
