Max Verstappen admits Red Bull's transformation: from dominance to a 'monster' ahead of title showdown
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Max Verstappen declares F1 title double 'unrealistic' following Italian GP setbacks.
MONZA, Italy -- Max Verstappen has candidly admitted that Red Bull has turned its once-dominant car into "a monster," and faces the daunting prospect of potentially losing both of Formula 1's championships this year.
At the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen's championship lead over Lando Norris dwindled to 63 points after a sixth-place finish, which equaled his worst result of the season.
The rapid progress of McLaren, now the fastest car in the field, has brought the team within just nine points of Red Bull in the constructors' championship standings.
When questioned about the likelihood of Red Bull retaining its title, Verstappen was straightforward in his response: "At the moment both championships are not realistic."
Following a record-breaking 2023 season, Verstappen clinched victory in four of the first five races of 2024. However, his winning streak ended after the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23.
"Last year we had a great car, which was the most dominant car ever, and we basically turned it into a monster, so we have to turn it around," the Dutch driver stated on Sunday evening.
Verstappen emphasized the urgency for Red Bull to address the issues plaguing their vehicle.
"I've said a lot and now it's up to the team to come with a lot of changes with the car because we basically went from a very dominant car to an undrivable car in the space of, what, six to eight months. So that is very weird, for me, and yeah, we need to really turn the car upside down," he elaborated.
When asked about adopting a damage limitation strategy, Verstappen acknowledged the possibility but maintained a more proactive outlook. "In a way yes but that's not how I like to look at the championship. We have to go from our own fortunes, and today, and all weekend has been very bad."
As Red Bull works to rectify its issues, the focus remains sharply on whether the team can restore its former dominance and secure their standing in both the drivers' and constructors' championships.
Up Next
