Christian Horner reveals the ‘gamble’ that cost Max Verstappen the Dutch GP

Christian Horner highlighted a decision that led to Max Verstappen's struggles during the Dutch GP after starting from P2.

Christian Horner reveals the ‘gamble’ that cost Max Verstappen the Dutch GP

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

At Zandvoort, Lando Norris outpaced Max Verstappen by a substantial 22 seconds, preventing Verstappen from securing a win. Red Bull felt optimistic about winning the race when Verstappen took the lead at the start. However, team principal Christian Horner revealed what prevented the Dutchman from winning the Dutch GP.

Christian Horner said that when Max Verstappen got into the lead, everyone hoped he would stay there. Verstappen was able to get a good distance and break the DRS of the drivers behind him, which was a positive sign. However, starting from about lap five or six, Lando Norris began to catch up quickly as he was in a different league. Despite the Dutchman’s early advantage, Norris’s strong performance allowed him to close the gap and eventually outpace the Red Bull driver.

Having got the lead, you suddenly start to think okay, and he managed to break the DRS, but then it was very clear that suddenly Lando, from lap five, six onwards, started to come back quite hard.
Christian Horner told ViaPlay
YouTube video

Further, Horner mentioned that the decision to use more downforce on the car hadn’t been the best choice. They had hoped that the extra downforce would be beneficial, but it didn’t turn out as expected. When they compared it to Sergio Perez’s performance, it appeared that Perez had a smoother experience in the second half of the race. As a result, the increased downforce on Verstappen’s car ultimately hindered his performance.

FS Video
I think with hindsight, the gamble that we made with more downforce perhaps wasn’t the best route. Looking at Checo’s pace, it looked like it was easier to him in the second half of the race.
Christian Horner added.
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Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen admits nothing was in his favor during the Dutch GP

Max Verstappen explained that he was focused on his own race and tried to take good care of his tires, doing everything he could to perform well. However, at a certain point, his car stopped handling properly. He said that the car didn’t turn or respond as it should have, making it difficult for him to keep up with the competition. This gave an advantage to Norris who was just behind and passed through Verstappen.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)
I was just doing my own race, looking after the tires, I tried to do the best I could. But at one point nothing was turning or responding anymore.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by RaceFans.net

Therefore, Verstappen’s difficulties with his RB20 led to a poor performance in the Dutch GP. With his car not responding to his commands, he had no choice but to concentrate on managing his own race. Despite the car’s struggles, Verstappen maintained second place throughout the race, and fans were pleased with his performance.

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