Max Verstappen insists Azerbaijan GP a ‘positive’ for Red Bull despite losing lead to McLaren in the standings

Max Verstappen spoke up on his 2024 title prospects against Lando Norris and McLaren after an underwhelming Azerbaijan GP.

Max Verstappen insists Azerbaijan GP a ‘positive’ for Red Bull despite losing lead to McLaren in the standings

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen is facing his toughest challenge in F1 in recent years. The Dutch driver is at risk of losing the world title to Lando Norris and McLaren. The Azerbaijan GP was another setback to Red Bull as the Austrian team now no longer leads the world standings.

Red Bull had an eight-point lead over McLaren heading into the weekend in Baku. However, the Woking-based squad had a much better pace with Oscar Piastri clinching victory. Moreover, Sergio Perez collided with Carlos Sainz and had to retire from the race. Subsequently, McLaren now leads the Milton Keynes outfit by 20 points in the constructors’ standings.

YouTube video

Nevertheless, Max Verstappen insisted that the weekend was still positive. The Dutch driver pointed out that he only lost three points to Norris in the Drivers’ standings. However, Verstappen made it clear that Red Bull must do a lot better to ensure that they emerge victorious by the end of the season.

FS Video
This weekend for me, we didn't lose too many points, so I guess that's the positive to take, but I also think we can do much better. So we'll try to do that next time.
Max Verstappen told Sky Sports F1
RELATED
(Video) Lando Norris’ engineer gives an emotional tribute to his late father after McLaren topple Red Bull for the championship lead
Lando Norris and Will Joseph (via racingews365, @milclaren/X, Screenshot)

Max Verstappen dismisses claims of VSC infringement during Azerbaijan GP

Verstappen was put under investigation for allegedly infringing a Virtual Safety Car period. The reigning world champion asserted that he had not passed under VSC. Max Verstappen insisted that he had crossed when the race was over and such instances have happened in the past. The Dutch driver was surprised to see race control investigate this incident.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
I didn't pass under Virtual Safety Car, I crossed the line, the race is finished. There're a lot of examples as well where we did the exactly same thing. I'm a little bit surprised [at the investigation].
Max Verstappen stated
RELATED
“Is he crazy?” Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz left FUMING after massive collision right behind Azerbaijan GP lead
Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz

Certainly, Max Verstappen would be looking to shift focus onto the next race. The Dutch driver still leads Norris by 59 points with just seven races to go. However, it is clear that the reigning world champion needs to push himself to the limit to secure his fourth title.