Verstappen Denies Recent Losses Cost F1 Title, Blames Slow Start
Max Verstappen asserts that his Formula 1 title bid wasn't undone by recent losses in Mexico and Brazil but rather by Red Bull's slow start to the season. Despite closing the gap significantly after the summer break, a 49-point deficit with three races remaining has him pointing to early-season struggles as the primary reason for falling short in the championship.
Max Verstappen has firmly denied that his recent failure to win in Mexico and Brazil cost him the Formula 1 title. Instead, the Red Bull driver points to the team's slow start to the season as the true culprit for his championship deficit.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's comments highlight the immense pressure and high stakes in the F1 title fight. While recent races have seen him close the gap, his perspective underscores how early-season performance can be far more critical than individual late-season results in a championship campaign. It also sets the stage for Red Bull to analyze their initial struggles as they prepare for future seasons.
The details:
- Verstappen significantly narrowed the gap to McLaren drivers after the summer break, reigniting his championship hopes.
- However, consecutive victories for Lando Norris in Mexico and Brazil have left Verstappen 49 points adrift of the championship lead with just three rounds remaining.
- Despite starting from the pit lane in Brazil due to car changes after qualifying, Verstappen impressively climbed to a third-place finish.
- When asked if these car changes could benefit him in the final races, Verstappen noted, "Very different tracks, so it's difficult to know to be honest. That's what we have to focus on. That's what we will focus on in the coming races."
- McLaren dominated the early part of the season, winning 12 of the first 15 races, leaving Red Bull and Verstappen playing catch-up.
The big picture:
Verstappen was largely out of the title picture during the initial phase of the season, a stark contrast to his dominant campaigns of previous years. His assertion that the championship was lost between 'race one until Zandvoort' emphasizes the cumulative effect of early performance rather than isolated recent setbacks. This perspective reveals a strategic mindset, focusing on systemic improvements rather than dwelling on immediate results.
What's next:
With three races left, Verstappen and Red Bull will aim to maximize their performance, even as the title seems out of reach. Their focus will likely shift to gathering data and understanding their car's limitations and strengths on varying track layouts. This period will be crucial for refining their car development and strategy for the upcoming season, aiming to avoid a similar slow start in 2025. The insights gained now could be vital for a stronger championship bid next year.