Red Bull Reeling from Max Verstappen’s F1 Title Loss

Basio badr

ago 12 hours

Red Bull Reeling from Max Verstappen’s F1 Title Loss

Max Verstappen’s recent title loss in the F1 championship has left Red Bull Racing and its motorsport director, Helmut Marko, reflecting on a painful season. The Dutch driver finished just two points shy of clinching what would have been his fifth consecutive title, a significant contrast to his dominant past performances.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A Bittersweet Victory

Verstappen secured victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, converting his pole position into a dominant performance. However, Lando Norris of McLaren finished third in the race, earning him his first drivers’ championship title.

Close Call for Verstappen

Verstappen ended the season only two points behind Norris.
This marked Verstappen’s first title loss in his F1 career.
He had been as much as 104 points behind after the Dutch Grand Prix.

Despite the challenge he faced, Marko expressed that the narrowing gap throughout the season created a sense of optimism. As the races progressed, Red Bull’s confidence grew, making the eventual defeat even more disheartening.

Challenges Throughout the Season

Marko acknowledged significant moments where Verstappen lost crucial points. Notably, a controversial incident in Barcelona and a collision with Kimi Antonelli at the Austrian Grand Prix contributed to his points deficit. Additionally, a lackluster performance in Budapest further complicated his title quest.

Recognition for Norris

While acknowledging the challenges, Marko praised Lando Norris as a deserving world champion. He stated, “In the end, you have to say Lando is a worthy world champion.” Marko emphasized that despite their setbacks, the competition was fierce, noting that neither Ferrari nor Mercedes could keep pace.

Looking Ahead: New Challenges

As Red Bull prepares for the upcoming season, there is optimism about the future. Marko expressed confidence in their ability to adapt to new regulations regarding power units and chassis designs. He stated that their technical prowess positions them well for recovery in the competitive landscape of F1.