P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has revealed he discovered a contrast in car balance with Red Bull’s 2024 Formula 1 car compared to its predecessor even during his dominant start.
Max Verstappen dominated the season-opening race in Bahrain with a commanding 22-second winning margin, showcasing Red Bull’s strong start. Following this triumph, Verstappen secured victories in six of the next nine races, establishing a significant points lead. However, Red Bull faced unexpected challenges, leading to Verstappen missing out on the podium’s top step in the last eight races due to a regression in performance. Verstappen noted a negative change in the car’s behavior that was initially masked by its pace advantage over rivals, causing difficulties in handling and performance. Despite these setbacks, Verstappen acknowledged Red Bull’s missteps in development and remains optimistic about the team’s progress and forthcoming upgrades as the season progresses.
