Red Bull has only emerged victorious in one race in the previous three outings. Helmut Marko, Max Verstappen, and Christian Horner began the season with lofty aspirations of replicating their success in 2023. However, after eight races in 2024, the Austrian manufacturer is struggling to find the right setup for the RB20 and has suffered defeats in two of the last three Grand Prix events. Reflecting on these underwhelming performances, it has been stated that the Milton Keynes-based team is unable to comprehend the underlying issue with the car.
In the 2023 season, Red Bull experienced only one loss, which occurred in Singapore, a track known for its rough surface. The team successfully addressed the problem and claimed victory in the remaining races. Unfortunately, in 2024, Red Bull’s inability to adapt to street circuits has proven to be their downfall, as they were defeated in Monaco.
Despite initially describing the race as uneventful after finishing in sixth place, Max Verstappen later admitted that there is a fundamental problem with the car. The Dutch driver believes that the RB20 is not suited for racing on street circuits. This lack of adaptability has been the primary reason for the team’s inability to win races this season. Verstappen also expresses that the team is unable to comprehend the peculiar characteristics of the car and does not anticipate a resolution in the near future.
Although he missed out on winning the Monaco Grand Prix for the third time, the reigning champion remains loyal to the Red Bull team. Verstappen is contracted with the Austrian manufacturer until the end of 2028 and intends to fulfill his tenure with the team despite the rumors surrounding his future.
Amidst these speculations, Verstappen reassured his loyalty to Red Bull. The three-time champion emphasizes that he values loyalty and expects the same from the team. He further explains that the prospect of finishing his career at Red Bull is highly appealing.
However, if Red Bull fails to provide a competitive car for future championship battles, there is a strong possibility that Verstappen may consider switching teams and finding a new home on the grid. Therefore, the Austrian manufacturer must continue to perform at a high level to prevent key personnel from leaving and to ensure that Verstappen remains with the team.