Max Verstappen is struggling against the stronger McLarens of Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris in the previous Formula 1 season. During the Red Bull home game, the four-time world champion has to act with the handbrake attracted after he is only a penalty point away from a racing lock. Team boss Christian Horner therefore expresses a warning.
Max Verstappen can still hopes for a fifth Formula 1 World Cup in a row, but the Dutchman has to be careful not to degenerate the two McLaren too much. Against the currently faster racers from Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris, it is mainly due to consistency.
A failure or racing ban would torpedo the chances of title and exactly the latter still threatens the red bull pilot. He has 11 penalty points in the account, just one from a lock. The first three of these eleven points only fall after the Austria GP. In doubt, Verstappen must be on the road with the handbrake.
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His team boss Christian Horner also knows how he stated to “RacingNews365”: “Of course we have to be sure that we will be harmless through this race weekend, because only then does the first penalty points fall away.”
The first two of his currently eleven penalty points came up with Verstappen in Austria. Last year he collided there in the fight for victory with title rival Norris.
Regardless of the Damocles sword racing lock, Red Bull also expects a difficult home game for other reasons.
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“Our weaknesses are the medium -fast curves that are available here in the second sector. I would expect McLaren to be stronger again if it should get hot,” Horner said a forecast for the weekend.
At the racing team based in Milton Keynes you will hope that the planned upgrade will make up for the weaknesses mentioned. In addition to Red Bull, Ferrari also brings new parts to Spielberg. Despite the strong Papaya form, the McLaren competition has not yet been beaten.
Despite the many uncertainties, the anticipation at Red Bull for the home game in Styria is unbroken. “We are really looking forward to the race at the Red Bull Ring. This is always a big event on a great route,” said Horner.