Max Verstappen calls off Red Bull Admission Ahead Of Formula 1 Return

Max Verstappen has admitted Red Bull is no longer the fastest car on the grid, but insisted the team’s struggles will only serve as an incentive to improve.

The Dutchman won a record 19 out of 22 races last season en route to a third straight world title and extended his domination into the early stages of this year, winning four of the first Grands Prix.

But since triumphing in China on April 21, Verstappen has won just three of the next nine races, with his last win coming at the Spanish Grand Prix in June.

It’s a veritable drought for a man who took the chequered flag in 36 out of 44 races over the last two seasons.

“I really enjoyed last year, but I knew we would never have another season like the one we had,” Verstappen told the Hungarian outlet Formula.hu.

“I mean, I thought it was unrealistic to be that competitive again, so I was prepared for it.

“Of course, I was hoping and hoping that we would have a bit more of a lead, but that’s the way it is.

And Verstappen expects McLaren and Mercedes to be faster than Red Bull once the season resumes following the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.

“In the beginning, we could really say that it was track-specific, but I think it’s clear now that no matter what track we go to, we have a hard time everywhere,” he added.

“I would say that we have not been the fastest in the last few races. Yes, it’s a bit harder now.

“The others are doing a good job of improving the performance of the car, but of course, we have to point out that we are still leading the constructors’ standings.

“It’s not that bad, but we have to try to improve the performance of the car so that we can try to fight back and set the pace again.”