Analysis: Red Bull and Max Verstappen Raise 'Worry' Over Lackluster Beginning
Red Bull's initial-season difficulties amidst setup concerns have the team frantically searching for solutions to enhance their performance, as four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen finished in sixth place on Sunday at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Various issues, ranging from balance problems with the setup of Red Bull cars to pit stops and Friday practice sessions, have all been brought into focus.
"The worry is significant," stated Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to Sky Germany, as reported by The Athletic.
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"We must see improvements in the near future so that he can have a car capable of winning again. We need to establish a solid foundation with the car so that he can compete for the world championship."
Verstappen had a dominant 2023 season, winning 19 out of 22 Grand Prix races and landing on the podium 21 times.
Last season, he secured nine victories, but Red Bull ultimately lost the team Constructors' Championship to McLaren. According to The Athletic, this was due to ongoing issues with balance problems in the cars, which are persisting into this season. The solution, reportedly, will take some time.
F1 analysts, such as Sky's Ralf Schumacher, who won six races over 11 F1 seasons, believe that Verstappen may even consider leaving Red Bull if improvements are not made soon.
Following the race on Sunday, Verstappen posted this on X: "It was a challenging weekend. We struggled with the balance and overall pace. We will continue to move forward and push harder."
After four races, Verstappen is currently in third place in the drivers' standings, eight points behind leader Lando Norris and five points behind Oscar Piastri, both from McLaren.
In the Constructors' Championship standings, McLaren holds 151 points, Mercedes has 93, and Red Bull is in third with 71 points.
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Although the 27-year-old Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Marko has stated that there are clauses that could potentially allow him to leave.
