P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Karun Chandhok says Red Bull is too dependent on its star driver Max Verstappen.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok warns that Red Bull Racing could face a significant decline in Formula 1 if Max Verstappen leaves the team, likening it to Benetton’s slump after Michael Schumacher’s departure. Despite the Red Bull RB21’s struggles compared to McLaren this season, Verstappen has managed to deliver strong performances, winning two races. The team’s heavy reliance on Verstappen is evident in the constructors’ championship, where he has scored the majority of their points. Chandhok points out a concerning trend at Red Bull, similar to Benetton’s struggles post-Schumacher era, raising doubts about the team’s ability to support a competitive second driver. Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate, has shown promise but has faced challenges adapting to the car, prompting concerns about Red Bull’s long-term competitiveness without Verstappen. Despite efforts to support Tsunoda, including praise from former champion Nico Rosberg, the team faces uncertainty if they fail to address their reliance on Verstappen’s exceptional talents.
