P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has conceded Red Bull “didn’t really understand” how rival F1 teams had better race pace during the team’s 10-round victory drought.
Max Verstappen has admitted that Red Bull struggled to understand the race pace of their F1 rivals during his 10-grand prix winless streak.
After winning at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, he did not reach the top step of the podium until his victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in early November, marking his longest winless run since 2020.
Despite this, Verstappen is now on the verge of winning a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship due to Red Bull’s strength earlier in the season and his competitive qualifying performances during the lean period.
Max acknowledged that the team was puzzled by McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes’ superior long-run performance over the four-month stretch.
Although Red Bull may be trailing in the constructors’ title fight, Verstappen is optimistic that they can build on their recent success and be more competitive in the final races.
He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve and remain competitive, particularly in the upcoming races.
