Max Verstappen has been handicapped by two evident Red Bull issues, resulting in a “turning point” in his Formula One fortunes.
That is the opinion of double champion Mika Hakkinen, who absolves the Dutchman of any responsibility for the team’s unexpected troubles. Despite still leading the constructors’ championship standings, Red Bull has gone off the boil, and McLaren is now the favourites for victory this year.
Earlier in the season, despite Red Bull’s declining performance, Verstappen consistently challenged for victory. However, he has not won any of his last six races and did not even threaten the front-runners at Monza.
Hakkinen continues to admire the Dutchman. “Verstappen has been amazing for many years in a row, and of course, even before that, in the lower categories prior to Formula One,” the Finn told Unibet.
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“He has remarkable skill, works hard, is a disciplined driver, and has achieved tremendous success in Formula One. At the start of his adventure with Red Bull, his performance and dedication to victory stood out more than others. I felt he was taking more risks than others because he said, “I want to win.”
Declining car performance isn’t the only serious concern Red Bull has encountered this year. Even when they were still on track, there was turbulence behind the scenes due to a power struggle between team leader and CEO Christian Horner, consultant Helmut Marko, and Verstappen’s father Jos.
Hakkinen believes these obstacles will have hampered the Dutchman, and he also blamed his teammate Sergio Perez, whose form has been bad for much of the year, as well as the announced departure of famed designer Adrian Newey. He added: “This year has been a watershed moment, not necessarily for [Verstappen’s] personal performance.
Max Verstappen is also affected by teammate Sergio Perez’s difficulties.
Max Verstappen is also affected by teammate Sergio Perez’s difficulties.
“But winning races requires a team, a car, and personal devotion and discipline. Max has struggled this year. Of course, things appeared to be going well at the beginning of the year, with certain triumphs, but it was clear to me that this path to success could not continue.
“It couldn’t go on because of politics, internal problems, or support from a teammate. All of this has failed to propel the team forward, which has an impact on Max’s performance. The driver must maintain a clear mind at all times, focus on racing, fitness, mental strength, and if the team is experiencing troubles…
“Adrian Newey, the excellent designer, is leaving the team; all of these factors influence Max’s performance. It is evident. Now we notice that Red Bull’s development is not progressing as quickly as other teams.”
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