“It’s not normal,” Max Verstappen not happy for Red Bull to lose ground to rivals in 2024

Max Verstappen made it clear that Red Bull needed to pick up the pace as rivals started to catch up with Milton Keynes.

“It’s not normal,” Max Verstappen not happy for Red Bull to lose ground to rivals in 2024

Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko, and Christian Horner (Via: Imago)

Max Verstappen won the 2024 Spanish GP after starting from second position. Despite having arguably a slower car than Lando Norris, he managed to secure the win. Christian Horner, the team principal, said it is normal for other teams to match their pace.

Max Verstappen refuted with Christian Horner‘s comments over the situation. The Dutchman was more critical about Red Bull’s progress. He explained that last year, Red Bull had a very dominant season, staying strong until the last race. However, this year is more challenging, and he believes they need to be honest about that. The three time world champion disagrees with the idea that it was normal for other teams to catch up. Verstappen said it’s not something they should just accept as usual and it was not normal.

Last year we had a hugely dominant season, even until the last race. It's a bit more difficult now and I think we just have to be honest about that. 'We can say: it's normal", but I think it's not normal.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Max Verstappen believed that the team should always strive to improve, which is why he speaks up about their performance. He could’ve said winning was enough and everything was fine, but that’s not the Dutchman’s attitude. Verstappen reckoned that, if the team considered it normal for other teams to catch up, it would actually happen. The Dutchman admitted he’s always honest and critical because he always wants to be better and everyone within the team must have the same approach.

FS Video
We always want to be better and that's why I bring it up. If we think this is normal, people are going to catch up with us. I am always very straightforward and critical because I always want to be better, which should also be the approach of everyone.
Max Verstappen explained

Sergio Perez believes Red Bull is difficult to beat if the current package can be maximized

Sergio Perez explained that focusing on maximizing their performance will work in Red Bull’s favor especially, when considering the minor differences between competitors. He highlighted the importance of staying dedicated and focused throughout the long season ahead. Perez claims Red Bull has shown significant strength in recent years. This makes other teams very challenging to outperform them as the season moves forward.

I think [fine margins] look better for us if we can maximize our package. The season is still long, so we have to keep our heads down. Red Bull is very strong and it will be incredibly difficult for other teams to beat us during the season.
Sergio Perez said, as reported by RacingNews365
Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Perez expressed, currently McLaren has a slight speed advantage, but the difference between them and Red Bull is very little. The Mexican believed any upgrade or improvement could quickly shift the balance again. Things could easily change if other teams like Red Bull and Mercedes made improvements in their cars.

McLaren is faster at the moment, but the margins are so small that everything can change again with an upgrade.
Sergio Perez added

Certainly, Sergio Perez is worried that Red Bull needs to improve more and keep in bringing some upgrades so that it will not be caught up by other teams. Fans are eager to watch Red Bull’s performance in coming weekend, as it’s their Home race and they must win it.

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