Max Verstappen is approaching a vital stage in the Formula 1 season, but his Red Bull car doesn’t quite appear to be where it needs to be for him to enjoy a comfortable ride. The Mexico City Grand Prix outlined the situation he is in, as he raced title rival Lando Norris particularly hard. Verstappen’s RB20 improved with upgrades at the recent United States Grand Prix, but the rise of Ferrari has coincided with their work.
It means that both the Scuderia and McLaren can get two cars ahead of the reigning champion while on top form – putting extreme pressure on his title defence as he watches his advantage dwindle. Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesTom Coronel says George Russell ‘predicted’ Max Verstappen movesMercedes driver George Russell has faced the might of Verstappen on many occasions throughout his career and knows what he is capable of.
Fans are accustomed to his optimistic lunges and forceful manoeuvres, which sometimes end up in him being penalised – like he was at the Mexico City Grand Prix for forcing Norris off the track. Speaking on the RacingNews365 YouTube channel, Tom Coronel said that Russell predicted that when Verstappen’s car slowed compared to his rivals, his driving would reflect it. READ MORE: Damon Hill shares why ‘frustrating’ Max Verstappen ‘let himself down’ during the Mexico City Grand Prix“This is what you expected with Verstappen,” said Coronel.
“You know if Max can’t keep up, that this is the way he was going to do it. I mean, Russell predicted it, I’ve already predicted it twice. You knew this was coming.
“I think Formula 1 is completely loose again thanks to Verstappen because everyone now suddenly has that interest again that they think holy shoot – it’s really about a championship. ”Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesWhy Verstappen’s 2024 title approach is clearWhere the main issue for Norris before may have been Verstappen and Red Bull’s outright pace, it may have changed over the past few weeks. The Dutchman appears to be racing with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude, aware that he can only take crucial points away and hold his British rival up while in combat.
He did it unapologetically in Austin and Mexico, but he won’t be allowed to keep forcing him off the track and racing in an unfriendly manner – his 20 seconds worth of penalties are a reminder of that. READ MORE: £800k-a-year driver now has ‘no chance’ of 2025 Red Bull seat after the Mexico City Grand PrixA retirement would blow the championship wide open, and some Mexico City power unit issues will have added to Red Bull’s woes – who are now assessing whether to take a grid-penalty and replace it. With lingering rain at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix, if anyone can overcome a penalty and tricky weather conditions, it’s the man who has won three consecutive world titles.
