Dutch driver Max Verstappen recognised that Red Bull was not the best car on the grid in the first half of the season. In his characteristic style, the three-time world champion made strong statements, highlighting the performance failures of Ferrari and McLaren. Verstappen said that if he had been in charge of the SF-24 or the MCL38, he would have secured his fourth title ‘even sooner’.
The driver’s criticisms are not unfounded, as Red Bull is only third in the constructors’ championship, behind Ferrari and McLaren. One of the factors pointed out is the 251-point discrepancy between Verstappen and Sergio Pérez in the drivers’ championship, fuelling rumours of the Mexican’s possible departure from the team.
Verstappen reiterated that he would have won even more easily with the rival cars: ‘Yes, I would have been faster with McLaren. With Ferrari, it would have been something similar. With Mercedes, I think it would have been more challenging.’
Asked about the possibility of other drivers winning titles with Red Bull, Verstappen avoided belittling his colleagues: ‘I wish everyone luck. Criticism like that motivates me. If they think I only win with the best car, I’ll show them they’re wrong. This title is mine, not the car’s’, he concluded.