Max Verstappen warns Red Bull over ‘small mistakes’ changing things quickly in title battle

Max Verstappen hinted that Red Bull could lose the title to McLaren if the team made mistakes in the coming races.

Max Verstappen warns Red Bull over ‘small mistakes’ changing things quickly in title battle

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

Max Verstappen has won seven races in 2024 so far. The Dutchman is almost 100 points ahead of the drivers standing over Lando Norris who currently sits in second place. However, Red Bull’s setback and recent crashes at Austria and Hungary led Norris slightly ahead, reducing the gap of points with leader Verstappen. As Red Bull no longer has the fastest car on the grid, the 26-year-old is worried about the titleship.

Max Verstappen in an interview stated that even a few small mistakes by Red Bull can quickly change the outcome of the race. He emphasized the need for his team to make the most of their current lead because the competition, particularly from McLaren, is very tight. As McLaren’s are so close, any minor mistake can cause them significant loss of points. Verstappen highlighted the importance of minimizing errors and maintaining consistency, as the tight competition from rivals can quickly catch up.

If you make a few small mistakes, things can quickly turn around. We have to use our lead because the balance of power is so close. There are still so many races to go, so much can still happen.
Max Verstappen said, as reported by MotorsportTotal.com
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Max Verstappen mentioned that no matter how well they prepare for each race, there were always unexpected challenges. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and calm when these surprises occurred and continuously looking for ways to improve. The Dutchman acknowledged that the Belgian GP will be unpredictable, with sudden changes in weather, unforeseen strategies from other teams.

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You can prepare as best you can for each race weekend, but then something will surprise you. We have to stay focused and calm, and we have to try to improve.
Max Verstappen stated.
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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen appreciates McLaren’s progress in 2024

Max Verstappen praised McLaren for their recent performances. He mentioned that in the last five or six races, they have clearly been the best team. The Dutchman acknowledged their success and gave them credit for doing a great job, showing respect for their efforts and achievements. While Verstappen appreciated his rivals after a setback, they’re also becoming a threat for the three-time world champion. This is because Lando Norris is close to catching him in the drivers’ standings.

If you look at the last five, six races, they for sure have been the best. And I mean, that's fine. Fair play to them. I think they have done a great job.
Max Verstappen stated.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Further, Verstappen mentioned that Red Bull has some work to do and things to analyze during the summer break. He mentioned there’s a need to review everything they’ve done from the first race up to now to identify areas for improvement. Their goal is to come back stronger in the next race at Zandvoort. The 26-year-old hoped that by analyzing performances and making necessary adjustments, they become competitive again for the final phase starting in the Netherlands.

From our side, we have a bit of work to do, a few things also to analyze over the break. From race one all the way to here of what we have done, and then try to fight back from Zandvoort, see if we can actually improve the situation, try to turn it around, try to be more competitive
Max Verstappen added.

Certainly, Max Verstappen thought they needed to review everything they’ve done from the start to the end of the first half of the season. By doing so they’ll notice the changes that affected their performance. Fans and team hope the Dutchman finishes the race on the podium as he already faces a tenth-place grid penalty.

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