Verstappen not happy with Marko’s comment: “Don’t know why…Read more
The relationship between Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing is showing signs of stress, as mounting frustrations threaten to disrupt the reigning World Champion’s dominance. Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz has shed new light on the situation, revealing that not all is well behind the scenes at Red Bull. The team’s recent struggles in Bahrain and Japan have sparked concern, especially within Verstappen’s inner circle.
Verstappen, known for his composure and high expectations, is reportedly unhappy with both the technical performance of the RB20 and the team’s operational inconsistencies. While Red Bull has long been recognized for its precision and race-day execution, recent errors have chipped away at that reputation, leading to growing unease in the garage.
Performance Dips and Operational Slip-Ups
While Red Bull still holds a strong position in the championship, their performances in the early races of the season haven’t met expectations. According to Kravitz, the real issue isn’t just about raw speed — it’s about execution. Pit stop errors have plagued the team, costing them valuable time during races and affecting strategy outcomes.
In Bahrain, Verstappen’s race was compromised by a malfunctioning pit light system that delayed his stop. The error, seemingly minor, had a ripple effect that altered the team’s planned race approach. Yuki Tsunoda, who also drives under the Red Bull umbrella at RB (formerly AlphaTauri), faced a similar delay, highlighting a broader issue within Red Bull’s operations.
“Pit stops are usually an area where Red Bull excels,” Kravitz explained. “But when that reliability breaks down, especially when the car isn’t delivering a dominant performance, it creates serious frustration — especially for a three-time world champion like Max Verstappen, who is used to things running like clockwork.”
Internal Tensions Bubble Over
One of the most telling signs of unrest came from a reported confrontation between Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko. Kravitz had previously mentioned the disagreement, but now confirms that the discussion included pointed criticism, indicating real dissatisfaction within Verstappen’s camp.
While the exchange wasn’t described as explosive, it points to a shift in the usually unified front Red Bull presents. As Verstappen’s contract ties him to the team for the foreseeable future, tensions like these — especially if unresolved — could impact team dynamics and performance in the long run.
What’s Next for Red Bull and Verstappen?
Despite these issues, it’s too early to predict a full-blown crisis. Red Bull remains one of the top-performing teams on the grid, and Verstappen continues to be a major title contender. However, the cracks in communication and execution may widen if results don’t improve soon.
The coming races will be crucial — not only for Red Bull’s championship ambitions, but also for maintaining harmony within a team that’s become accustomed to winning. If Verstappen’s concerns continue to go unaddressed, the pressure could lead to even greater challenges as the season unfolds.
