Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has voiced significant apprehension regarding Max Verstappen`s future with the team, describing their performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix as “very alarming.”
Verstappen managed to finish sixth in the race, a better outcome than initially anticipated given pit stop errors and handling difficulties experienced throughout the event.
Despite the challenges, Verstappen is still within striking distance in the championship standings, trailing leader Lando Norris by eight points and race winner Oscar Piastri by five. However, Red Bull`s car has shown to be problematic and considerably slower than McLaren`s pace early in the season.
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Marko, speaking after the race, stated, “The concern is great. As I mentioned, improvements are urgently needed to provide Max with a car capable of winning again. We must establish a solid foundation with the car so he can contend for the world championship.”
Verstappen`s contract with Red Bull extends until the end of the 2028 season. Marko previously mentioned that “all top drivers have performance clauses in their contracts.”
While Verstappen secured a victory in Suzuka, outperforming McLarens, Red Bull`s season start has been challenging due to issues with their new car.
Horner Acknowledges Team`s Difficult Weekend
The Bahrain race exposed Red Bull`s struggles, contrasting with the hope from Verstappen`s Suzuka win. Pit stop problems in Bahrain, caused by an electrical issue with the green light system, significantly hampered their race.
This issue placed Verstappen in traffic, and he also lacked pace on hard tires, at one point dropping to last place.
Yuki Tsunoda, finishing ninth, also reported similar handling problems to Verstappen.
“It was a bad weekend for the team. Nothing went smoothly from the race`s start,” admitted Horner. “We had a poor start, pit stops were problematic, and tire temperatures became excessively high. A well-balanced car simplifies everything.”
Horner added, “It`s a 24-race championship. We are currently eight points behind in the Drivers` Championship and must improve quickly. It was crucial for Max to secure as many points as possible with a difficult car. Ultimately, it`s the cumulative points at the end of the season that count.”
Verstappen: Poor Tire Management Will Be a Weakness Everywhere
Red Bull is currently significantly behind McLaren in the Constructors` Championship. Horner indicated that the team`s priority is to maximize Verstappen`s chances in the Drivers` Championship.
Verstappen believes sixth place was the maximum achievable in Bahrain and doesn`t anticipate a sudden turnaround in Saudi Arabia, despite his dominance there last year.
“Our tire management is currently weak. The car`s balance isn`t optimal, and tracks like Bahrain highlight these issues,” Verstappen explained.
He added, “Tire degradation might be slightly less in Jeddah, but if tire management is a weakness, it will be a weakness everywhere. The track layout might offer some assistance, but the fundamental issue of tire management remains. If you struggle with it, you`ll struggle everywhere.”
