Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has admitted that Red Bull’s recent struggles are no shock.
This marks Verstappen’s longest podium drought since 2019, when the Dutch driver endured two separate three-race stretches without a top-three result.
The team’s difficulties were laid bare at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished a disappointing ninth after starting eighth.
Red Bull, known for their ability to turn around performance issues overnight, could not find solutions at the Hungaroring.
This has left Verstappen trailing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 97 points in the drivers’ championship, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko conceding the title fight is effectively over.
“It’s not a surprise, given the problems we are facing,” Verstappen said to the media after the Hungarian race. “For years, we’ve had strong results, but success comes and goes.”
Analysing the RB21’s shortcomings in Hungary, Verstappen pinpointed a lack of grip and poor performance in low- and medium-speed corners as key issues.
“We were just really slow all weekend,” the 65-time grand prix winner explained. “No strategy could have saved us. We struggled regardless of what we tried.”
Red Bull’s challenges have raised questions about their ability to regain form after the summer break.
Verstappen, however, remains focused on the next opportunity to turn things around.
The Formula 1 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a 72-lap race on the 4.259-kilometre circuit, on Sunday, 31 August. Red Bull are under pressure to deliver a strong home performance for Verstappen and their fans.
