Jos Verstappen Urges Red Bull to Address Performance Issues Amid Rising Competition

Jos Verstappen, father of three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, has voiced his concerns over Red Bull Racing's performance following a disappointing Monaco Grand Prix. Verstappen Sr. believes the team needs to refocus on racing and investigate their issues as Ferrari and McLaren are closing in on Red Bull's dominance.

The Monaco Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen qualify and finish sixth, while his teammate Sergio Perez was eliminated in Q1 and involved in a first-lap accident. These results have highlighted Red Bull's struggles with car handling, particularly on kerbs and bumps, which have cost them performance compared to other teams.

Jos Verstappen commented, 'They will have to do something about it, understand where certain difficulties come from. Meanwhile, it is clear that McLaren and Ferrari are getting closer and closer.' He also expressed his curiosity about how Red Bull will solve these problems, suggesting that the team's period of dominance may be coming to an end.

Red Bull's recent performance issues are not entirely new. The team has struggled with similar problems in previous races this season, including Imola, Miami, and Melbourne. Despite their dominance over the past two years, these recurring issues have raised questions about the team's ability to maintain their lead.

Max Verstappen himself has acknowledged the fundamental nature of the problem, stating, 'It is a fundamental problem, so it is not something that will be fixed within weeks. We need to understand what it is, because we clearly don't understand it.' He also pointed out that certain circuits, such as Singapore and Montreal, which feature bumpy layouts and kerb-riding, will be particularly challenging for Red Bull.

Adding to Red Bull's challenges, their Chief Technical Officer is set to depart at the end of the season. This departure, coupled with internal controversies involving team principal Christian Horner, has further complicated the team's situation. Despite these setbacks, Red Bull remains at the top of the standings, but their lead is under threat.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc's victory in Monaco has reduced the gap between him and Max Verstappen to 31 points, indicating a closer fight for the championship. With Ferrari and McLaren making notable gains in performance, Red Bull will need to address their issues quickly to stay ahead.

The season's progression will reveal how Red Bull will tackle these challenges. Jos Verstappen's comments highlight the urgency for the team to refocus on racing and resolve their performance issues to maintain their competitive edge.

Key Takeaways

• Jos Verstappen voices concerns over Red Bull's performance after Monaco GP.
• Red Bull struggles with car handling, particularly on kerbs and bumps.
• Ferrari and McLaren close in on Red Bull's dominance in the championship.
• Max Verstappen acknowledges fundamental problem, requiring long-term solution.
• Red Bull's lead is under threat, with Ferrari's Leclerc 31 points behind Verstappen.